Smuggling ring leads to Lodhi Estate

Sleuths of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Delhi Zone, carried out operations in Delhi-NCR region and recovered smuggled goods worth over Rs 15 crore.

What, however, has surprised the investigators was the smugglers' link to two Lutyens' Delhi addresses — both official residences of senior Government of India officers. Sources in DRI told DNA that the agency is now trying to verify if the officers to whom the two houses, both in Lodhi Estate, are allotted have any direct or indirect link with the smuggling racket.

One of the houses, DNA has found, is allotted to a Secretary-rank officer in the Government of India.

Five people, including a senior Customs officer, have already been arrested by the DRI in the case.

"These goods were illegally imported through Foreign Post Office in Delhi. The DRI has busted two active gangs and recovered over 31 kg gold, high-value steroids used as party drugs, banned food supplements and electronic goods. The total value of these illegally imported seized products is over Rs 15 crore," said a senior DRI officer.

"We are certain the racket was continuing due with the smugglers' nexus with some government officers. The two addresses, both in the name of senior officers in Government of India, were being used by these men.

However, the role of the officers is yet to be ascertained. The syndicate used to illegally import gold items in various shapes in packages containing undergarments, fancy dresses and electronics. These were then delivered at the addresses in Lutyens' Delhi with the connivance of the postman. It is suspected that some staff of these officers may be involved in receiving these items at the two addresses which have emerged," the officer said.

Lodhi Estate houses are inhabitated by MPs, bureaucrats and senior officers of the Defence establishment, including the tri-services.

The racket was unearthed after DRI officers recovered costly items being smuggled concealed in underwear, beauty products and such items via the Foreign Post Office, Delhi.

Sources in DRI did not rule out involvement of other senior government officers in the cartel, which according to intelligence inputs had been active for some time.

MODUS OPERANDI

• The syndicate used to import high-value steroids, gold, food supplements, electronics
   
• Once the items landed, Customs officers cleared them.
   
• The items were then delivered by the postman, also a member of the syndicate.