15-20 kg gold seized in Odisha; CT-GST squad seizes logistics van from Mumbai

In a major crackdown on alleged gold smuggling, the CT-GST (Commercial Tax and Goods and Services Tax) squad on Friday seized at least 15-20kg of gold from a logistics van in Odisha’s Baripada.

Under suspect, the CT-GST team intercepted the vehicle while delivering gold ornaments to a jeweller in Baripada. As the custodian of the vehicle failed to give a satisfactory answer, the vehicle was seized while a verification process was launched to find any discrepancy in the gold delivery.

If reports are to be believed, the gold ornaments had reached Odisha via West Bengal from Mumbai. The vehicle was allegedly delivering the gold to jewellers in Mayurbhanj and Balasore, but failed to show supporting documents. 

As per sources, the expected market value of the seized gold is assumed to be in crores. However, the officials are yet to give more details as the verification process is on.

“As usual we were doing our mobile activity yesterday when we spotted a custodian of ‘Sequel Logistics’ delivering jewellery ornaments at a local jewellery store. Under suspect, we checked the vehicle and found bills that raised our suspicion. We intercepted the vehicle and seized around 15-20kg gold ornaments,” informed Kulamani Mallik, CT-GST Deputy Commissioner.

“The custodian failed to give any satisfactory answer. We suspect the involvement of four-five jewelers from Mayurbhanj and Balasore in this connection. The verification process is on and we will impose penalty as per GST Act if any discrepancy is found. The vehicle has come from Mumbai to Kolkata and was supposedly on its way to Baripada, Udala, Mayurbhanj and Balasore. More details can be known after the verification,” he added.