Operation Bullion Blaze: DRI Seizes 11.88 Kg Gold and 8.72 Kg Silver in Major Mumbai Raid

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a major gold smuggling racket operating across Mumbai under Operation Bullion Blaze. Acting on precise intelligence inputs, officers raided four secret locations and uncovered an organised network that illegally imported gold, melted it in hidden furnaces, and sold it through grey-market channels.

Operation Bullion Blaze: DRI Seizes 11.88 Kg Gold and 8.72 Kg Silver in Major Mumbai Raid

Raids on Illegal Melting Units and Shops

During the coordinated raids, the DRI searched two clandestine melting units and two unregistered jewellery shops. Both melting units were actively processing smuggled gold hidden in materials like wax. Officers seized 6.35 kg of gold from these units and detained several suspects who were preparing new batches for smelting.

Massive Recovery of Gold and Silver

Follow-up searches at the shops—used for storing and distributing smuggled gold—led to the recovery of 5.53 kg of refined gold bars.
In total, DRI seized:

• 11.88 kg of 24-carat gold worth ₹15.05 crore
• 8.72 kg of silver worth ₹13.17 lakh

All items were seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
The agency also arrested 11 individuals, including the mastermind with a prior record, his father, manager, four melters, an accountant, and three delivery staff who handled the gold’s distribution network.

A Well-Organised Conspiracy

Preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate was running a highly organised smuggling operation aimed at bypassing India’s import regulations. By avoiding customs duties, they supplied unaccounted bullion to the market, creating serious distortions in legitimate trade and tax collection. All accused were presented before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Mumbai and remanded to judicial custody.

DRI’s Ongoing Enforcement Efforts

The DRI stated that curbing gold smuggling is vital to protect government revenue and maintain market stability. Such illegal networks weaken India’s economic framework by fuelling the shadow economy. Investigations continue to trace financial links, foreign connections, and domestic buyers associated with the syndicate.

Exam-Oriented Notes

• Operation: Bullion Blaze
• Agency: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
• Total Seizure: 11.88 kg gold (₹15.05 crore) and 8.72 kg silver (₹13.17 lakh)
• Raids Conducted: 2 melting units and 2 unregistered shops
• Arrests: 11 persons, including the mastermind and support staff
• Law Invoked: Customs Act, 1962
• Purpose: To disrupt gold-smuggling networks and protect national revenue

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Question & Answer

Q1. What was the name of the DRI’s operation that busted the Mumbai gold smuggling racket?
(a) Operation Golden Shield
(b) Operation Bullion Blaze
(c) Operation Sunrise
(d) Operation Smelt Gold
Answer: Operation Bullion Blaze

Q2. How much gold was seized by the DRI during the operation?
(a) 10.5 kg
(b) 11.88 kg
(c) 12.5 kg
(d) 9.3 kg
Answer: 11.88 kg

Q3. Under which act were the smuggled gold and silver seized?
(a) Indian Penal Code, 1860
(b) Customs Act, 1962
(c) Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973
(d) Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
Answer: Customs Act, 1962

Q4. How many individuals were arrested in connection with Operation Bullion Blaze?
(a) 8
(b) 9
(c) 10
(d) 11
Answer: 11

Q5. What was the total value of gold seized in the operation?
(a) ₹12.5 crore
(b) ₹15.05 crore
(c) ₹13.17 crore
(d) ₹14.25 crore
Answer: ₹15.05 crore

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