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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
‘Operation Fire Trail': DRI seizes Rs 35-cr worth of Chinese firecrackers from Mumbai ports
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Chinese firecrackers worth approximately Rs 35 crore, following a multi-port operation codenamed 'Operation Fire Trail', the agency said on Friday. The action, based on specific intelligence inputs, led to the interception of seven containers at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and the Kandla Special Economic Zone (SEZ). According to a statement by the DRI, the seized cargo weighing nearly 100 metric tonnes was illicitly imported in the name of a KASEZ unit and certain Import-Export Code (IEC) holders. The goods were falsely declared as 'Mini Decorative Plants', 'Artificial Flowers', and 'Plastic Mats' in an attempt to evade detection. The press release noted that some of the consignments were routed through the Kandla SEZ with the intent of illegal diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA), in violation of the SEZ provisions. A key individual, identified as a partner of the SEZ unit, has been arrested for his role in the smuggling operation and remanded in judicial custody by the court. The import of firecrackers is classified as 'Restricted' under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy and requires licences from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008. The DRI pointed out that the smuggled firecrackers contained banned chemicals such as red lead, copper oxide, and lithium, which are hazardous to health and the environment. 'Firecrackers pose a significant risk to public safety, port infrastructure, and the broader logistics supply chain due to their highly combustible nature,' the DRI said in its statement, adding that the successful seizure prevented potential threats such as accidental explosions and disruptions in cargo handling operations. 'This meticulously planned and seamlessly executed operation underscores DRI's resolve to detect, deter, and dismantle illicit networks that undermine the Exim trade ecosystem and endanger public safety,' the release said. Further investigations are underway.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- India Gazette
DRI foils major smuggling bid, seizes Rs 35 crore worth of Chinese firecrackers in
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): In a major crackdown on smuggling of Chinese firecrackers and fireworks into India, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in an operation codenamed 'Operation Fire Trail', successfully traced, intercepted, and seized huge quantities of Chinese firecrackers/fireworks, valued at approximately Rs 35 crore. According to a official statement from Ministry of Finance, the items were found concealed in seven containers destined for or lying at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ, These Chinese fireworks, weighing 100 metric tonnes, were illicitly imported in the name of a KASEZ unit and certain IEC holders, by misdeclaring them as goods such as 'Mini Decorative Plants,' 'Artificial Flowers', and 'Plastic Mats'. Notably, some of these consignments were routed through Kandla SEZ by a KASEZ unit with the intent of diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). The key individual, a partner of the SEZ unit, found to be actively involved in the smuggling of Chinese firecrackers/fireworks through misdeclaration and misuse of SEZ provisions, has been arrested. He has been remanded to judicial custody by the Court, the release stated. The import of firecrackers is 'Restricted' under ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy. It requires licences from DGFT and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosive Rules 2008. Firecrackers and fireworks are harmful because they contain banned chemicals like red lead, copper oxide, and lithium, as per the release. Firecrackers pose a significant risk to public safety, port infrastructure, and the wider logistics supply chain due to their highly combustible nature, the release stated. This meticulously planned and seamlessly executed operation underscores DRI's unwavering resolve to combat smuggling, safeguard the nation's critical infrastructure, and protect public safety. By preventing these illegal, hazardous shipments from entering Indian markets, DRI has averted potential hazards ranging from accidental explosions to supply chain disruptions. The DRI remains committed to its mission of detecting, deterring, and dismantling illicit networks that undermine the Exim trade ecosystem and endanger public safety. (ANI)
