DRI seizes around 5.8 kg foreign-origin gold worth Rs. 9 crores from a secret cavity in car, uncovering a sophisticated gold smuggling modus operandi; two arrested

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a car traveling from Kolkata to Hyderabad at Visakhapatnam during October 08–09, 2026, seizing around 5.8 kg of 24-carat foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs. 8.98 crore. The gold was discovered inside a specially fabricated concealed cavity beneath the leg space of the front co-passenger seat. The occupants admitted that the gold had been smuggled into India via the Indo-Bangladesh border and was destined for Hyderabad. Both individuals were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The operation highlights evolving gold-smuggling methods involving specially engineered vehicle cavities.