The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) newsletter acknowledged International Women’s Day, recognizing women’s contributions to tax administration. It also highlighted post-budget interactions led by finance ministers in Visakhapatnam. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted two operations, seizing smuggled gold. In Bengaluru, a passenger arriving from Dubai was intercepted with 14.2 kg of gold bars, and subsequent searches yielded additional gold jewelry and currency. In Mumbai, two passengers from Dubai were caught with 21.288 kg of gold bars concealed in waist belts. Both operations resulted in arrests, demonstrating DRI’s efforts to combat gold smuggling.
Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC dated 10/03/2025
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 10/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 Dated: 10th March, 2025
Dear Colleague,
International Women’s Day is an occasion to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women across all spheres of life, including governance, administration, and economic progress. Last week, Women’s Day was celebrated across CBIC formations with much enthusiasm, recognizing and honouring the invaluable role of Nari Shakti in in shaping tax administration and reforms. Their dedication and leadership continue to inspire excellence in service to the nation.
Last week, the Hon’ble Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister and the Hon’ble Minister of State for Finance held a Post-Budget interaction in Visakhapatnam, engaging with trade representatives and the press to discuss and provide clarity on the key fiscal measures of the Government. The event was coordinated by the Visakhapatnam Zone, whose officers worked with dedication to ensure its success. Their hard work is deeply appreciated.
In a significant crackdown on gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted two major enforcement actions in Bengaluru and Mumbai. In the first case, based on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an Indian lady passenger who arrived in Bengaluru from Dubai. A personal search led to the discovery of 14.2 kg of gold bars ingeniously concealed on her person. Subsequent searches at her residence resulted in the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore. The passenger was placed under arrest.
In the second case, DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit intercepted two passengers arriving at Mumbai from Dubai, acting on specific intelligence. A thorough personal search led to the recovery of 21.288 kg of foreign-marked gold bars, valued at Rs. 18.92 crore, concealed inside customized waist belts worn under their shirts. During questioning, both individuals admitted to their involvement in gold smuggling. These coordinated enforcement actions highlight DRI’s commitment to dismantling the syndicates involved in gold smuggling and safeguarding the country’s economic interests. Kudos to Team DRI!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
