The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under the Ministry of Finance, has seized approximately 8.3 kilograms of foreign-origin gold valued at around Rs 12.37 crore in an operation along the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. Four persons have been arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt.
On 5 October 2026, DRI officers conducting surveillance in Cooch Behar District stopped four individuals travelling on two motorcycles. The suspects were moving from the Indo-Bangladesh border at Chowdhurihat towards Cooch Behar when they were intercepted.
Key facts
- Gold seized: 8.3 kg (72 biscuits of 116 grams each)
- Estimated value: Rs 12.37 crore
- Location: Cooch Behar District, West Bengal, on Indo-Bangladesh border
- Date of operation: 5 October 2026
- Persons arrested: 4
- Hiding method: Gold biscuits concealed in specially tailored cloth waist belts
- Legal basis for seizure: Customs Act, 1962
How the operation unfolded
The seizure was the result of sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance by DRI personnel along the border. Officers had been monitoring cross-border movement in Cooch Behar District before mounting the operation that led to the interception.
When the four suspects were stopped and searched, DRI officials discovered gold biscuits that had been hidden in specially designed cloth waist belts worn by two of the individuals. The method of concealment shows a deliberate attempt to avoid detection by customs authorities.
All 72 gold biscuits recovered, each weighing 116 grams, were confirmed to be of foreign origin. The gold was seized under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, which gives DRI the authority to confiscate contraband items and apprehend persons involved in smuggling.
Cross-border smuggling and DRI operations
Gold smuggling across the Indo-Bangladesh border remains a persistent challenge for Indian customs authorities. The porous border, combined with significant price differentials between countries and high demand for gold in India, creates incentives for organised smuggling networks to operate across the frontier.
The DRI, the primary intelligence and enforcement agency of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, has been intensifying its focus on dismantling gold-smuggling syndicates that use cross-border corridors to move contraband into India. According to the statement, this operation was part of that sustained effort.
The specific targeting of the Chowdhurihat route suggests that smugglers had been using this corridor regularly. The recovery of specially designed belts indicates a level of organisation and planning within the smuggling network.
Investigation and next steps
The four arrested persons are now in the custody of DRI. Investigations are continuing to identify other members of the smuggling network and the wider syndicate involved in the movement and distribution of smuggled gold.
The DRI statement indicates that identifying and dismantling the full network behind the smuggling operation remains an ongoing priority. This suggests that the four arrests may lead to further action against other individuals involved in organising or facilitating the smuggling.
What this means for you
For the general public, this operation demonstrates that customs authorities are actively working to prevent illegal gold imports. High levels of smuggling can distort the domestic gold market and undermine legitimate dealers and traders.
Passengers and travellers near international borders should be aware that attempting to smuggle gold or other contraband items carries serious legal consequences, including arrest and criminal charges under the Customs Act.
For those in the jewellery and gold trading business, reduced smuggling should theoretically create a more level playing field for legitimate commerce, though the extent depends on the overall effectiveness of enforcement across all border points.