Smuggling Network Exposed as 26 Kenyans Arrested in Mumbai Airport

26 Kenyan nationals have been arrested in India after authorities uncovered a major gold smuggling operation involving nearly 30 kilograms of gold valued at approximately Sh528.9 million.

India’s apex anti-smuggling agency, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), said the suspects were intercepted at Terminal 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai after arriving from Nairobi aboard a Kenya Airways flight on Wednesday.

The arrests followed what officials described as a targeted intelligence-led operation. According to reports, investigators had prior information about the group and used digital profiling to track their movements before intercepting them at the airport.

“Around 11 am, the passengers approached the green channel but, noticing officials, moved away. Upon questioning, 25 passengers identified themselves, while the 26th was found to have been detained for attempting to use a fake passport,” Times of India reported.

“All 25 denied carrying contraband. However, a search of the two led to the recovery of gold bars concealed in their shoes,” it added.

Major Gold Seizure at Mumbai Airport

Authorities later confirmed that the total seizure amounted to about 29.4 kilograms of gold, including 4.27 kilograms of jewellery, in what has been described as one of the largest such busts at the Mumbai airport in recent months.

Further details from Indian media indicate that some suspects allegedly attempted to discard evidence upon noticing security presence.

Reports show that gold, including melted bars wrapped in black tape, was recovered near baggage claim areas after being abandoned by members of the group.

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Operation Dhahabu Blitz Uncovers Smuggling Network

“DRI received a tip-off about women coming from Nairobi in Kenya with hidden gold. Following this, 24 foreign nationals, who had landed at Mumbai Airport from Nairobi, were stopped. From their bags and clothes, 25.1 kg of gold bars and 4.27 kg of gold jewellery were recovered,” Press Trust of India reported.

Investigators believe the case points to a well-organised smuggling syndicate operating across borders.

According to United News of India, the operation exposed a coordinated network that relies on recruited carriers and sophisticated concealment methods to evade airport security.

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Investigations Ongoing

The arrests were carried out under an operation dubbed Operation Dhahabu Blitz, highlighting intensified efforts by Indian authorities to curb illegal gold trafficking through international airports.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has since confirmed that investigations are ongoing, stating that further investigation is going on.

Authorities are now working to establish the full extent of the network behind the smuggling attempt, including possible links to international trafficking rings and facilitators.

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A photo collage of Zhang Kequn, 37, and Ants on plastic containers. Zhang was arraigned on Tuesday before the Jomo Kenyatta International Law Courts, where he faced charges of dealing in live wildlife species and conspiracy to commit a felony. PHOTO/ ODPP