DRI seizes Rs 4.82 crore smuggled Chinese firecrackers; 1 arrested

New Delhi, Oct 20: In a major crackdown on illegal imports ahead of Diwali, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 46,640 pieces of Chinese-origin firecrackers worth Rs 4.82 crore under its ongoing “Operation Fire Trail” at Nhava Sheva port in Maharashtra.

According to a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), DRI officials intercepted a 40-foot container that had arrived from China and was declared as carrying “leggings.”

A detailed inspection revealed that firecrackers were concealed behind a superficial layer of garments, indicating a sophisticated smuggling attempt. The DRI said the consignment was destined for ICD Ankleshwar in Gujarat, and subsequent searches led to the arrest of a key suspect from Veraval, along with the recovery of incriminating documents exposing the smuggling network’s modus operandi. Import of firecrackers is classified as “Restricted” under India’s Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid licences from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). Officials said the unlawful import of such hazardous goods poses serious threats to public safety, national security, and port infrastructure.