Hyderabad :- In a major operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully seized 5,569.64 carats of precious stones, including lab-grown diamonds, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamonds, and natural diamonds at Hyderabad airport. The operation, conducted by the DRI’s Hyderabad zonal unit, took place on Friday, as per an official statement.
Valued at approximately Rs 6.03 crore, the precious stones were discovered during the interception of two passengers bound for Dubai. Alongside the gemstones, foreign currency amounting to Rs 9.83 lakh and Indian currency worth Rs 1 lakh were also confiscated, as detailed in the official statement.
The DRI’s Hyderabad zonal unit acted on specific intelligence, intercepting the two passengers near the boarding area of Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on January 10, 2024. Subsequent inquiry and baggage checks revealed the presence of the concealed precious stones. The stones were found carefully wrapped in zipped plastic pouches, further concealed within white papers and sealed in chocolate packets.
The two apprehended passengers are now under investigation, and the DRI is diligently progressing with further inquiries into the matter. The successful operation underscores the vigilant efforts of DRI officials in combating illegal activities and safeguarding the nation’s interests.
