This revelation follows a string of gold seizures and arrests at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). As the premier investigating agency delved deeper, it exposed a sophisticated and methodical gold smuggling network operating from Kuwait to Andhra Pradesh, with YSR Kadapa District as its ultimate destination.

Investigations into recent smuggling cases have revealed a recurring pattern, with Kuwait as the origin and YSR Kadapa District as the destination. This consistency prompted the agency to suspect a highly organized criminal syndicate entrenched in the region.

The crackdown began on August 22, 2025, when DRI's Hyderabad Zone Unit (HZU), acting on specific intelligence, initiated surveillance at RGIA. Officials identified two suspicious bags arriving from Kuwait, which were intentionally abandoned, as confirmed by CCTV footage.

Upon examination, the first bag yielded 1,261.800 grams of smuggled gold, valued at approximately Rs 1.25 crore. After a painstaking investigation, the passenger who abandoned the bag was traced to the Annamayya district and intercepted on September 16.

During interrogation following his arrest on September 16, he revealed the identity of his handler, who had provided the baggage in Kuwait. In a swift operation the next day, DRI teams apprehended this handler at a toll plaza near YSR Kadapa on September 17. Both individuals confessed to their roles in the smuggling operation.

DRI foils gold smuggling network at RGIA

The second abandoned bag revealed a creative concealment: 2,117.8 grams of gold hidden within an iron box. The gold, valued at Rs 2.11 crore, was seized. The passenger linked to this baggage, also from YSR Kadapa district, was arrested on September 17 and confessed to his involvement.

Consequently, the twin busts resulted in the seizure of a total of 3,379.6 grams of gold, valued at Rs 3.36 crore. All three accused were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, and remanded to judicial custody.

Meanwhile, on October 16, 2025, DRI foiled yet another smuggling attempt. Acting swiftly on a tip-off, officers intercepted a passenger who had journeyed from Kuwait to Hyderabad, making a stopover in Sharjah.

A thorough check of his luggage led to the recovery of five 24-karat gold bars and two cut pieces, totaling 1,798 grams and valued at Rs 2.37 crore. Subsequently, the officials found that the five gold bars were concealed within the metallic lock of the suitcase's door, while the two cut pieces were hidden inside a plastic pouch filled with sunflower seeds.

"The investigation is at a preliminary and crucial stage. The gravity of the offence, which points to an organized criminal network," a DRI official stated, underscoring the systemic nature of the smuggling operations.

DRI's suspicions about a sophisticated racket in YSR Kadapa district have only grown stronger. The repeated use of local couriers, identical Kuwait routes, and matching destination points to a well-oiled operation. Furthermore, the agency continues to investigate in order to expose the full network of handlers and financiers.