The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs Department, working jointly with the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), foiled an attempt to smuggle gold worth Rs 4.31 crore through Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, exposing a sophisticated modus operandi used by international gold smuggling syndicates.

Dilip Piparia, a resident of Gujarat’s Morbi district, who arrived from Dubai on an IndiGo flight carrying gold concealed in specially modified undergarments, was arrested.

According to DRI officials, the operation was launched after the agency received specific intelligence indicating that a passenger arriving from Dubai was attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of contraband gold into India.