Uttar Pradesh: Gold smugglers held after hot chase by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

LUCKNOW: Two SUVs ferrying smugglers carrying 77 gold bars weighing about nine kg — worth Rs 4.5 crore — headed to Muzaffarnagar picked up speed as soon as they hit the Lucknow-Agra expressway, their occupants unmindful that Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sleuths were tailing them all along from Chaudhary Charan Singh international airport.

Then began a hot chase with DRI sleuths too hitting the gas pedals. The fast and furious pursuit ended with screeching of tyres and the smell of burning rubber floating all around. The smugglers were arrested, and the consignment seized.

After investigation spanning three weeks, DRI Lucknow zone sleuths arrested a 50-year-old havildar in customs posted at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on Tuesday for allegedly helping the smugglers.

“Two passengers had alighted from a Riyadh flight with nine-kilogram gold bars worth Rs 4.5 crore. The 77 bars were hidden in undergarments. The duo was given clearance by the customs staff and allowed a safe exit from the airport. The two then continued their journey ahead to Muzaffarnagar, where the consignment was to be taken,” said DRI sources seeking anonymity.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/uttar-pradesh-gold-smugglers-held-after-hot-chase-by-directorate-of-revenue-intelligence/articleshow/86026271.cms