Operation Bullion Blaze

  • 15 Nov 2025

In News:

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has unearthed a major gold-smuggling and illegal melting network in Mumbai under Operation Bullion Blaze, seizing 11.88 kg of gold valued at ?15.05 crore and arresting 11 persons.

About Operation Bullion Blaze

  • A focused enforcement operation targeting organised gold-smuggling syndicates and illegal bullion-melting units operating in and around Mumbai.
  • Implementing Agency: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under the Ministry of Finance
  • Objectives
  • Disrupt illicit inflow of smuggled gold
  • Identify and shut down unregistered gold-melting facilities
  • Crack down on black-market bullion trade and associated financial crimes

Significance of the Operation

  • Prevents revenue leakage caused by gold smuggling
  • Helps curb illegal imports that feed the parallel economy
  • Strengthens compliance and transparency in bullion markets
  • Reinforces DRI’s role as India’s lead agency for customs intelligence and anti-smuggling enforcement