DRI Seizes Suspected Vintage Articles and Antiques Worth ₹26.8 Crore in Gujarat

DRI Seizes Suspected Vintage Articles and Antiques Worth ₹26.8 Crore in Gujarat

Asif Iqbal | September 12, 2023 | 05:44 PM IST | Breaking News, Gujarat | Follow on Google News

DRI Seizes Suspected Vintage Articles and Antiques Worth ₹26.8 Crore in Gujarat.

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Massive Haul of Antiques and Artefacts Uncovered by DRI in Gujarat

In a significant operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized a cache of suspected vintage articles, antiques, and historical artefacts with an estimated market value of over ₹26.8 crore. The container, which was declared to contain the importer’s “personal effects,” held a treasure trove of heritage items, as revealed by the DRI in a statement released on Monday.

Specific Intelligence Leads to Discovery

The operation was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding a container arriving at Mundra port from Jebel Ali port, located just 35 kilometers from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. This intelligence led the DRI to conduct a thorough inspection of the container’s contents, which resulted in the astounding discovery.

A Treasure Trove of Heritage

The seized items include a wide array of antiquities, encompassing old statues, vintage utensils, valuable paintings, antique furniture, and other historically significant objects. Some of these artefacts have historical roots dating back to the 19th century and are crafted from precious materials such as gold, silver, and adorned with gold or silver coatings.

Origin of the Artifacts

Most notably, many of the seized items have origins in European countries, particularly the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The statement issued by the DRI highlighted that these valuable items had been intentionally undervalued to evade customs duties.

Illicit Market Demand

The statement further emphasized that there exists a substantial demand for such heritage items in the illicit market. The clandestine trade in vintage articles, antiques, and historical artefacts often involves illegal smuggling and undervaluation to evade customs regulations.

The DRI’s successful operation not only showcases its commitment to combating such illegal activities but also underscores the importance of preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of nations. The seized artefacts are not only valuable monetarily but also hold immense historical and cultural significance.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.