LUCKNOW, Nov. 6 -- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Lucknow Zone, seized 1.85 kg of foreign-origin gold worth approximately Rs.2.58 crore from two alleged carriers in Delhi's Chandni Chowk, bringing a suspected gold smuggling network with links to Uttar Pradesh under scrutiny. The duo was reportedly transporting the precious metal to Meerut. Acting on specific intelligence on November 3, officers of the Noida regional unit under DRI's Lucknow Zone intercepted the vehicle carrying the suspects. A personal search of one suspect led to the recovery of a gold bar and three cut pieces weighing 1.85 kg, along with 10 grams of silver droplets. Officials said the precious metals had been concealed in packages tied around the suspects' feet. The two men allegedly failed to produce documents establishing the lawful import or acquisition of the recovered metals. During questioning, they admitted that the gold was obtained by melting foreign-origin gold and silver smuggled into India from Dubai, according to the DRI. The seizure has brought the Chandni Chowk-to-Meerut route under scrutiny. Investigators are attempting to establish the intended recipient of the consignment and whether Meerut was its final destination or merely a transit point. The probe is also focused on tracing how the Dubai-origin bullion entered India, where it was melted and processed, and how the resulting gold was channeled into the domestic market. Investigators are examining the possible involvement of financiers, handlers and buyers, besides establishing whether the arrested men were merely carriers or had a larger role in the alleged smuggling operation. The DRI seized the gold and silver, collectively valued at approximately Rs.2.58 crore, and arrested both men under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the suspected syndicate and establish the extent of its network....