India, Oct. 3 -- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an alleged international smuggling syndicate, seizing 8.56 kg of smuggled gold dust in wax form, estimated to be worth Rs.12.65 crore, brought illegally into India, and 1,168.97 carats of natural and lab-grown diamonds valued at Rs. 1.09 crore, which were meant to be smuggled out of the country.

The agency nabbed eight accused members of the syndicate, including six international transit passengers-four Bangladeshis and two Sri Lankans-at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), officials said on Friday.

The intelligence-led operation, internally known as Operation Carat-Karat Nexus, was conducted on Thursday. Apart from the six transit passe...