DRI intensifies crackdown on precious metals smuggling; seizes 15 kg smuggled gold, 20 kg silver and ₹2 crore cash in nationwide operations; 13 persons arrested

Continuing its sustained crackdown on organised smuggling of precious metals, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has carried out a series of intelligence-driven operations across the country, resulting in the seizure of 15 kg foreign-origin smuggled gold, 20 kg silver, cumulatively valued at around ₹ 22 crore and Indian currency of ₹ 2.20 crore, Thirteen persons have been arrested so far in the operations. On 17.07.2026, DRI officers in New Delhi unearthed a major operation involving illegal possession of smuggled precious metals and cash.

Source

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Prelims-testable facts

01DRI officers seized 15 kg foreign-origin smuggled gold and 20 kg silver in nationwide operations.
02The total value of the seized precious metals is approximately ₹22 crore.
03DRI officers arrested 13 persons during the operations.
04A major operation involving illegal possession of smuggled precious metals and cash was unearthed on July 17, 2026, by DRI officers in New Delhi.
05During the operation, around 5 kg foreign-origin gold and 20 kg silver were seized, collectively valued at approximately ₹7.37 crore.
06The Indian currency worth ₹2.20 crore seized is believed to be the sale proceeds of the smuggled goods.
07DRI officers intercepted an Indian passenger at IGI Airport, New Delhi, who had arrived from Bagdogra with around 1 kg foreign-origin gold concealed inside metallic frame rods of his luggage.

Trap alerts

Most people think DRI is a law enforcement agency responsible for investigating financial crimes, but actually it is a revenue intelligence agency responsible for enforcing customs and excise laws.
Most people think the smuggling of precious metals is a minor issue in India, but actually it has resulted in significant economic losses and is a major concern for the government.

Current-affairs link

The DRI's efforts to combat organized cross-border gold smuggling are part of the government's broader strategy to safeguard the country's economic frontiers and prevent illicit financial flows.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Single factmedium

With reference to "DRI intensifies crackdown on precious metals smuggling; seizes 15 kg smuggled gold, 20 kg…", recently in the news, which of the following figures is correctly reported?

A.22 kg
B.15 kg
C.13 kg
D.11 kg

The correct figure is 15 kg. In news: Continuing its sustained crackdown on organised smuggling of precious metals, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has carried out a series of intelligence-driven operations across the country, resulting in the seizure of 15 kg foreign-origin smuggled gold, 20 kg silver, cumulatively valued at around ₹ 22 crore and Indian currency of ₹ 2.20 crore, Thirteen persons have been arrested so far in the operations. Source: PIB, 18 July 2026 — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2286162

Single factmedium

With reference to the recent development "DRI intensifies crackdown on precious metals smuggling; seizes 15 kg smuggled gold, 20 kg…", which one of the following statements is correct?

A.The Department of Posts launched a mascot design contest on the Innovate India MyGov platform to create an official brand ambassador for India Post.
B.Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke to the team of Skyroot Aerospace and congratulated them on the successful launch of Vikram-1, today.
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