DRI arrests woman techie for smuggling 1.7kg gold

Hyderabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested a software engineer who arrived in Hyderabad from Dubai in the early hours of Friday with nearly 1.7 kg of gold allegedly concealed in her shoes, sources said.According to sources, the woman was travelling without check-in baggage and was carrying only a handbag. Acting on specific human intelligence, DRI officers intercepted and searched her on arrival, leading to the seizure.Sources said the woman, a Hyderabad native employed in a well-paid software job in Dubai, is suspected to have previously acted as a carrier in similar operations. During questioning, she allegedly told investigators that her handlers purchased a business-class ticket for her in exchange for carrying the gold to Hyderabad.

However this claim is being verified by investigators.DRI officials are continuing to question her to identify the handlers who arranged the smuggling from Dubai and the intended receiver in Hyderabad. The investigation is also examining whether she is linked to a larger gold smuggling network.According to sources, officials believe the recent increase in customs duty to 40 per cent on gold has widened the price gap and contributed to a rise in smuggling attempts.