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53 Smuggling in India Report 2024-25

h. Pro le of carriers

The gender profile of gold smuggling carriers for FY 2024-25 reveals that the ma-
jority of individuals apprehended were male. However, the presence of women,
making up one-tenth of the persons apprehended, highlights a growing trend of
female involvement, possibly due to perceptions of lower suspicion during checks.

The domicile profile of gold smuggling carriers in FY 2024-25 indicates that the
overwhelming majority were Indian nationals, which highlights the dominance of
domestic carriers in gold smuggling. Carriers from Kenya and Iran contributed
modestly, with isolated cases involving carriers from Thailand, Turkey, Afghani-
stan, Oman, the UAE, and the USA.

Smuggling Of Precious Stones

Diamonds, due to their high value and portability, are increasingly used to launder
money and move illicit wealth across borders. In FY 2024-25, DRI seized diamonds
and precious stones worth around ₹20 crore, concealed in passengers’ bodies and
baggage.

Case 12: High-value diamonds recovered from body concealment

In March 2025, DRI officers intercepted
a passenger at Ahmedabad Airport en
route to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, who
had concealed two packets of diamonds
in his body. 703.29 carats of diamonds
valued at ₹3.53 crore were recovered
and seized.

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