Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized around 10,000 kg of firecrackers valued at nearly ₹3 crore from an import consignment at Nhava Sheva port, officials said.
The seizure followed an intelligence-led operation in which DRI officers intercepted a container suspected of carrying firecrackers. The consignment had been declared as “Bottle & Wallpaper”, but a detailed examination revealed that the declared goods were being used to conceal the restricted material.
Officials recovered 19,800 pieces of firecrackers, identified as 288 Gatling, weighing approximately 10,000 kg. Except for the first three rows containing the declared cargo, the container was found to be predominantly filled with firecrackers.
The entire consignment, including the declared cover cargo, was seized under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Import of firecrackers is classified as “Restricted” under India’s Foreign Trade Policy. Such imports require valid authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the requisite licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
During the investigation, DRI officers arrested a key member of the alleged syndicate who was suspected of orchestrating the clandestine clearance of the consignment.
The agency said the operation highlights its continued focus on detecting misdeclaration and clandestine import of restricted goods through commercial cargo channels.
Further investigation into the consignment and the network involved is underway.
