Lucknow police have arrested two suspected members of an interstate gold smuggling syndicate after recovering a capsule containing 203.92 grams of gold powder valued at approximately ₹30 lakh. The investigation began with a theft complaint but soon revealed an alleged network that recruited Indian travellers in Gulf countries to carry concealed gold into India.
Police identified the arrested men as Deepak Verma, a Balrampur native currently living in Ludhiana, and Ram Pratap Dubey of Balrampur. A third man, Mahboob Alam of Ballia, has been detained for questioning. Investigators and customs officials are examining his suspected role as a courier and seeking information about other members of the network.
According to DCP South Md Mushtaq, the gang allegedly targeted Indians who wanted to return home from Gulf countries. It offered them free air tickets, shopping and cash in exchange for transporting gold. The contraband was reportedly concealed in capsules, including those hidden inside body cavities, to avoid detection during airport security and customs checks.
Lucknow police gold recovery follows CCTV investigation
The case came to light after Alam filed a complaint at Sarojininagar police station on August 3. He told investigators that he had landed at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on July 27 after travelling from Dubai.
After leaving the airport, Alam was allegedly approached by Verma, Dubey and their associates. The group reportedly included a Punjab-based suspect identified as Arshdeep. Police said the men persuaded Alam to enter a black vehicle, drove him around for some time and later left him near the Alambagh bus terminal.
Alam then discovered that his trolley bag had disappeared. The bag reportedly contained his passport, clothes and the capsule filled with gold powder.
The DCP South surveillance unit and Sarojininagar police formed four teams to investigate the complaint. Officers reviewed footage from around 100 to 130 CCTV cameras and analysed electronic evidence before locating and arresting Verma and Dubey.
Dubai gold courier network exposed by alleged betrayal
Police said the case took an unusual turn because the arrested suspects allegedly betrayed their own syndicate. Their assigned role was reportedly to receive the gold from the arriving courier and pass it to other members of the network.
Instead, the two men allegedly stole the consignment and attempted to keep the proceeds for themselves. Investigators believe their effort to make a larger profit exposed the wider operation.
Police suspect that the syndicate has connections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and other states. The remaining accused are absconding, and search operations are underway to locate them.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police and customs officials are now working to trace the source of the gold, identify other couriers and determine the financial links behind the alleged smuggling operation.
The DCP announced a cash reward of ₹25,000 for the police team that investigated the case. Authorities said further arrests may follow as the inquiry into the interstate gold smuggling network continues.
