India is witnessing a sharp rise in gold and silver smuggling after the government increased import duties on precious metals earlier this year. Fresh data presented in Parliament shows that Customs authorities have recorded a significant jump in seizures, cases, and arrests since the revised duty structure came into effect, highlighting stronger enforcement against illegal imports.
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The latest figures indicate that higher import duties have encouraged more smuggling attempts, prompting Customs officials and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to intensify surveillance across airports, seaports, and land borders.
Gold Seizures Nearly Double After Import Duty Revision
According to data tabled in the Lok Sabha, Customs authorities seized 160.91 kg of gold in 287 cases between May 13 and June 30, 2026.
Before the revised duty became effective, officials had confiscated 86.16 kg of gold across 165 cases during the period from April 1 to May 12, 2026.
The comparison shows that both the quantity of gold seized and the number of smuggling cases increased sharply after the import duty hike.
Arrests Rise Alongside Smuggling Cases
The increase in smuggling activity was also reflected in the number of arrests made by Customs officials.
Between May 13 and June 30, authorities arrested 116 individuals in connection with gold smuggling. During the previous period, 67 people were arrested, indicating a notable rise in enforcement actions.
Officials said surveillance has been strengthened at major entry points to detect and prevent illegal imports.
Silver Smuggling Also Sees Significant Increase
Gold was not the only precious metal affected. Silver smuggling also recorded a substantial rise after the revised duty structure.
Customs seized 535.95 kg of silver in 16 cases between May 13 and June 30, compared with 49.53 kg in seven cases during the earlier period.
The data suggests that smugglers have increasingly targeted both gold and silver following the higher import duties.
Government Reaffirms Strict Action Against Smuggling
The figures were shared by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The government said Customs formations and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) continue to maintain round-the-clock monitoring and intelligence-based operations to curb the illegal import of precious metals.
Authorities added that all detected smuggling cases are dealt with under the Customs Act, 1962, including seizure and confiscation of gold and silver, along with the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
Gold Smuggling Trend Over the Last Four Financial Years
- 2025-26: Customs seized 646.66 kg of gold in 836 cases, leading to the arrest of 508 people.
- 2024-25: Customs seized 2,600.40 kg of gold in 3,005 cases, resulting in 1,240 arrests.
- 2023-24: Customs confiscated 4,971.68 kg of gold in 6,599 cases, with 2,003 people arrested.
- 2022-23: Customs recovered 4,342.85 kg of gold in 4,619 cases, leading to 1,740 arrests.
What the Latest Data Suggests
The latest Parliamentary data points to a clear increase in gold and silver smuggling attempts after the import duty revision. While illegal trade appears to have intensified, enforcement agencies have also stepped up surveillance and seizures. The government says it will continue strengthening monitoring and taking legal action to curb smuggling activities across the country.
FAQs
1. Why has gold smuggling increased in India?
Parliamentary data suggests smuggling attempts increased after the government raised import duties on gold and silver on May 13, 2026.
2. How much gold did Customs seize after the duty revision?
Customs seized 160.91 kg of gold in 287 cases between May 13 and June 30, 2026.
3. Did silver smuggling also increase?
Yes. Customs confiscated 535.95 kg of silver in 16 cases, compared with 49.53 kg in seven cases before the duty revision.
4. What action is the government taking against smuggling?
The government says Customs and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have intensified surveillance at airports, ports, and border checkpoints and continue to take action under the Customs Act, 1962.
5. What does the latest Parliamentary data indicate?
The figures indicate that smuggling attempts increased after the import duty hike, while enforcement agencies also strengthened monitoring, resulting in higher seizures, arrests, and prosecutions.
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