DRI seize diamonds worth ₹6 cr, US dollars from two passengers at Surat airport

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted two passengers at Surat Airport late Friday night and seized diamonds and foreign currency worth ₹6.22 crore before they could board an IndiGo flight to Bengaluru.

Acting on a tip-off, a DRI intelligence team stopped the two men for inspection just before boarding. During questioning, both admitted to carrying diamonds and US dollars concealed in their innerwear and trolley bags. As the items were neither declared nor supported by documents, they were seized for violations under Section 135 of the Customs Act.

The accused have been identified as Pankaj Madhubhai Dhameliya (48), a resident of Kamrej, and Mahesh Vitthalbhai Dhameliya (46), a resident of Varachha Road. Investigation revealed that Mahesh was carrying 365.73 grams of diamonds worth ₹3.22 crore concealed in his innerwear and 152 notes of $100 in his trolley bag. Pankaj Dhameliya was found with 359.36 grams of diamonds worth ₹3.04 crore hidden in his innerwear and 148 notes of $100.

The total seizure comprised diamonds worth ₹6.22 crore and US $30,000. DRI officials said no declaration had been made and no supporting paperwork was produced.

Both accused were produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajesh Kalotra on Saturday, where the prosecution sought 14 days’ judicial remand, stating that preliminary investigation indicated active involvement in diamond and foreign currency smuggling. The court granted the request and remanded both accused to judicial custody for 14 days.