In a major crackdown
under “Operation Fire
Trail,” the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 46,640 pieces of Chinese-origin
firecrackers worth ₹4.82
crore at Nhava Sheva Port.
The consignment,
declared as “leggings” and bound for ICD
Ankleshwar, was found to have fireworks concealed behind a layer of
garments. Following the seizure, DRI arrested a key suspect
from Veraval, Gujarat,
and recovered documents exposing the smuggling syndicate’s modus operandi.
The import of firecrackers is restricted
under India’s Foreign Trade Policy and requires licences from both DGFT and PESO. DRI said the
illegal import of such hazardous goods threatens public safety, national security, and
port infrastructure, reaffirming its commitment to dismantle
organized smuggling networks.
In
a major breakthrough under its ongoing “Operation Fire Trail”, the Directorate
of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has successfully busted a sophisticated
smuggling attempt involving the illegal import of Chinese-origin fireworks and
firecrackers into India.
During
this operation, DRI officers intercepted a 40-foot container at Nhava Sheva
port, originating from China and destined for ICD Ankleshwar,
which was declared as carrying “leggings.” A detailed examination revealed
46,640 pieces of concealed Firecrackers/ Fireworks hidden behind a superficial
layer of garments at the front. The entire consignment, valued at ₹4.82
crore, was seized.
Subsequent
searches led to the recovery of incriminating documents revealing the modus
operandi of the smuggling syndicate, and the arrest of a key person behind it
from Veraval, Gujarat.
The
import of firecrackers is ‘Restricted’ under the ITC (HS) Classification of the
Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid licences from both the Directorate
General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety
Organization (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
The
unlawful import of such hazardous goods poses grave risks to public safety,
national security, critical port infrastructure, and the wider shipping and
logistics chain. The DRI remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard public
from hazardous contraband and uphold the integrity of the country’s trade and
security ecosystem, by detecting and dismantling such organized smuggling
networks.