Major Seizure: 88 kg of Smuggled Gold Bars and Luxury Items Uncovered in Ahmedabad Raid

Under a major crackdown on gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) raided a Paldi residential apartment on March 17. Under several bars carrying foreign marks, indicating their illicit provenance, the operation seized 87.92 kg of gold bars worth almost ₹80 crore. Authorities also seized ₹1.37 crore in cash and 19.66 kg of diamond and gemstone-studded jewelry, 11 luxury watches—including a Jacob & Co clock with a diamond-studded Patek Philippe and a Franck Muller watch. This action highlights the DRI’s will to fight economic crimes and protect national integrity.

Gold, jewelry, and luxury watches worth over ₹100 crore were recovered from a flat in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, during a raid.

– 88 kgs of gold bars seized

– 11 luxury watches found

– Rs 1.37 crore cash recovered

– Valuables found at a residential flat

– Gold bars had foreign… pic.twitter.com/Xd7j4w3LOH

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 19, 2025

This attack coincided with more attention on gold smuggling activities, notably involving Kannada celebrity Ranya Rao. Arriving from Dubai, Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru for attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold bars valued ₹12.5 crore. Investigations revealed that Rao visited Dubai 52 times between 2023 and 2025, 45 of which were single-day round trips, which raised doubts about her likely involvement in a smuggling scheme. Under inquiry for alleged money laundering activities, more investigation turned out her ties to three business entities.

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The most recent seizure in Ahmedabad and Ranya Rao’s detention underlines the growing initiatives by the Indian government to eliminate networks of gold smuggling. Recovering such large numbers of luxury goods and gold bars is a significant obstacle to illegal activity, thereby strengthening the will of the nation to fight economic crimes and defend its sovereignty.