---
title: "Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): India"
description: "The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is India's top anti-smuggling agency, crucial for enforcing customs laws against gold and narcotics trafficking."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/directorate-of-revenue-intelligence"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is India's apex anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
- Under what law does the DRI derive its powers?
- How does the DRI differ from the DGGI?
- What was the significance of the Canon India case for the DRI?
- Does the DRI handle narcotics enforcement?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In July 2020 the DRI seized roughly 30 kilograms of gold smuggled through diplomatic baggage at Thiruvananthapuram airport, triggering a multi-agency probe involving the NIA and Customs.

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