DRI conducts major operation at Mumbai airport, arrests two in diamond smuggling case worth Rs 5.70 crore
Maharashtra: In a major operation at Mumbai Airport, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested two passengers accused of attempting to smuggle diamonds worth crores of rupees to Bangkok. According to officials, the estimated value of the recovered diamonds is approximately ₹5.70 crore. This action has once again demonstrated a crackdown on international smuggling networks.
The two arrested accused have been identified as Imtiaz Mohammed Marsuk (28) and Saibu Alikhan Shaikh (31), residents of Tamil Nadu. They were preparing to board a flight from Mumbai to Bangkok on Monday.
According to sources, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had received prior intelligence that some passengers might attempt to smuggle a large quantity of diamonds from India to Bangkok. Based on this information, the agency increased surveillance at the airport and identified the suspects.
During the investigation, the two passengers were stopped near the departure gate and their luggage was thoroughly searched. During this time, a large quantity of diamonds was allegedly recovered from them, which were being smuggled abroad. Both were immediately detained.
DRI officials stated that this appears to be a well-planned smuggling case and the involvement of other individuals is being investigated. Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the network through which these diamonds were handed over to them and to whom they were to be delivered in Bangkok.
The agency stated that it is continuously monitoring such international smuggling rackets and will continue to take further action based on intelligence. Coordination with airport security agencies is being strengthened to identify and investigate suspicious passengers.
Following this action, airport security is also being reviewed to prevent future smuggling attempts. Both accused have been handed over to the relevant agencies for further legal action.
