Question : Smuggling of Gold

(a) whether there has been a spurt in the smuggling of gold in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with number of such cases reported and the quantum of gold including ornaments seized from foreigners and Indians during the last three years, airport and seaport-wise;

(c) the names of the countries from where gold is being smuggled in India during the last three years, country-wise;

(d) the manner in which the gold seized by the Government is being utilized; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to check the smuggling of gold?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) There has been a decrease in gold seizures in the country in 2015-16 when compared to 2014-15.

(b) Details of the gold smuggling at the Airports and Seaports are given in Annexure ‘A’ and Annexure ‘B’ respectively.

(c) Details of quantity and country-wise gold seizures are given in Annexure ‘C’.

(d) The seized/confiscated gold is sold as per the prescribed guidelines.

(e) Constant vigil is kept at airports/borders. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) of CBEC issues Alert/modus operandi Circulars from time to time. On detection of smuggling, action is taken in accordance with the provisions of law.