Guwahati: In one of the biggest gold seizures in Assam in recent times, law enforcement agencies recovered 37 kilograms of suspected smuggled gold worth nearly ₹54 crore from the Kharghuli area of Guwahati. One person has been arrested in connection with the case, while investigations are underway to determine the source of the consignment and identify other members of the suspected smuggling network.

The operation was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs, leading officials to intercept the consignment before it could be moved further. The seized gold has been taken into custody, and the arrested accused is being questioned to ascertain the origin and intended destination of the precious metal.

#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam: Guwahati City Police seized 37 kg of suspected smuggled gold bars worth over Rs 50 crore during an operation conducted in the Kharghuli area

Shambhavi Mishra, DCP Guwahati, says, “This was probably the largest gold seizure ever done by Assam Police. The… pic.twitter.com/tt2UdDhfb5

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Intelligence-led operation

According to officials, the operation was launched after intelligence agencies received credible information regarding the movement of a large quantity of gold through Guwahati. Acting swiftly, a joint team conducted searches in the Kharghuli locality and recovered the consignment.

Authorities said the estimated market value of the seized gold is around ₹54 crore, making it one of the most significant recoveries in the region. The accused was apprehended during the operation and is currently in custody.

Officials have not yet disclosed the identity of the arrested individual, citing the ongoing investigation. They are examining whether the consignment is linked to an organised interstate or international gold smuggling syndicate.

Probe into wider network

Investigators suspect that the seized gold may have been transported through an established smuggling route. Agencies are now analysing electronic devices; financial transactions and other evidence recovered during the operation to identify additional suspects.

Officials are also trying to establish the origin of the gold and whether it entered the country illegally. Further raids and arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.

The authorities believe that the seizure could provide crucial leads into a larger network involved in the illegal trade of precious metals.

Gold smuggling remains a major challenge

Gold smuggling continues to pose a significant challenge for enforcement agencies across the country. High import duties on gold often encourage illegal trafficking, with smugglers using multiple routes and innovative concealment methods to evade detection.

Assam, owing to its strategic location in the Northeast, has witnessed several cases of gold and contraband seizures in recent years. Enforcement agencies have stepped up surveillance along key transit corridors and intensified intelligence gathering to curb such activities.

Officials said the latest seizure reflects the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence and enforcement efforts. They reiterated that strict action would be taken against those involved in smuggling and related financial crimes.

The seized gold will undergo further examination as part of the legal process, while the arrested accused will be produced before the competent court. Investigators are expected to seek custodial interrogation to uncover the full extent of the alleged smuggling network and identify other individuals connected to the case.

Authorities have assured that the investigation is progressing on multiple fronts and that more details will be shared as the probe advances.