By The Sampadak Express
In a significant operation amid the ongoing spotlight on Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a raid at a flat in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on March 17. The search led to the recovery of 88 kilograms of gold bars and 19.66 kilograms of diamond-studded jewellery, marking a major success for authorities in the fight against smuggling.
The operation was carried out by the DRI in collaboration with Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), focusing on a residential flat in Ahmedabad’s Paldi area. According to the Ministry of Finance, the recovered gold bars are valued at approximately ₹80 crore. Most of the gold bars bore foreign markings, suggesting they were smuggled into India.
Along with the gold, authorities also seized 19.66 kg of high-value jewellery, studded with diamonds and precious stones. Additionally, the raid uncovered 11 luxury watches, including a Patek Philippe timepiece adorned with diamonds, a Jacob & Co. watch, and a Frank Muller watch. The valuation of these items is still ongoing.
Cash amounting to ₹1.37 crore was also found in the flat during the operation.“This search is a major setback to illicit activities and highlights DRI’s ongoing efforts to combat economic crimes, safeguarding national integrity and sovereignty,” said the Ministry of Finance in a statement. The investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
This seizure follows the DRI’s recent activities, including their interception of Kannada actor Ranya Rao on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, where she was found carrying 14 kg of gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore.
In a separate operation on March 7, DRI officials, in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), seized 29.954 kg of hashish oil worth ₹33 crore from a vessel en route to the Maldives. The drug shipment had been covertly loaded onto a tug vessel off the coast of Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin, and the vessel was intercepted near Kanyakumari. Authorities arrested several individuals involved in the operation, including the gang members and a crew member who assisted in the drug trafficking.
These efforts underline the DRI’s commitment to curbing smuggling and safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests.
