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7 Smuggling in India Report 2024-25

Insider Threat: A Hidden Security Risk

Insider risk has emerged as a key enabler of smuggling and transnational crime,
posing grave risks to national security, aviation safety, and supply chain integrity.
Airport and port staff, airline crew, and other personnel with privileged access to
restricted high-security areas exploit operational blind spots to facilitate the
movement of contraband. DRI has repeatedly exposed such organised insider net-
works that aid the illicit movement of gold, narcotics, electronic goods, foreign
currency, fake currency, and cigarettes through airports, ports and other critical
infrastructure points. Such well-orchestrated breaches not only undermine avia-
tion, port, and border security but also compromise the credibility of trade and
travel systems, having national security implications.

Case 6: Airport staě nabbed in gold smuggling operation

In December 2024, DRI busted a gold smuggling syndicate involving Chha-
trapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport staff who retrieved and
consolidated gold from transit passengers for delivery outside the airport.
Overnight surveillance led to the recovery and seizure of 12.50 kg of gold.

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