Mumbai: In a major crackdown during the festive season, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has foiled a smuggling attempt to illegally import Chinese-origin fireworks and firecrackers into India.
Under its ongoing ‘Operation Fire Trail’, officers of DRI’s Mumbai zonal unit intercepted a 40-foot container at Navi Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port. The container, declared as carrying ‘leggings’, originated from China and was headed for the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Gujarat’s Ankleshwar.
A detailed inspection found 46,640 concealed firecrackers/fireworks hidden behind a layer of garments. The entire consignment, valued at Rs 4.82 crore, was immediately seized.
Incriminating documents outlining the smuggling syndicate’s modus operandi were recovered, and one key suspect was arrested from Veraval, Gujarat.
The import of firecrackers is restricted under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid licences from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
“This operation once again reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding national security and public safety. The smuggling of explosive materials like firecrackers will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” a senior DRI official said.
Given that this is festive time in India, with Diwali following Navratri, DRI has intensified nationwide efforts to trace and dismantle the larger networks involved so that the illegal trade of Chinese firecrackers can’t enter the country through deceptive documentation and concealed shipments.
Authorities are investigating the financial trail and broader nexus behind the seized consignment.