DRI Officers Seize Chinese Firecrackers Worth Rs 35 Crore in Major Smuggling Operation

Officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have seized Chinese firecrackers valued at Rs 35 crore. These were illegally imported in seven containers by misdeclaring them, according to the finance ministry's statement on Friday. One individual has been arrested in connection with this case.

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The seized firecrackers, weighing 100 metric tonnes, were imported under false pretences. They were declared as items like mini decorative plants, artificial flowers, and plastic mats. The illicit goods were intended for a KASEZ unit and certain IEC holders.

Operation Fire Trail Uncovers Smuggling

In a significant operation named Operation Fire Trail, the DRI intercepted and confiscated large quantities of Chinese firecrackers. These were found hidden in seven containers at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ. The operation aimed to curb the smuggling of such items into India.

Some consignments were routed through Kandla SEZ by a KASEZ unit with plans to divert them into the domestic tariff area (DTA). The main suspect, a partner of the SEZ unit, was actively involved in this smuggling operation through misdeclaration and misuse of SEZ provisions.

Legal and Safety Concerns

The import of firecrackers is restricted under the ITC HS Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy. Licences from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) are required under the Explosive Rules 2008.

Firecrackers contain banned chemicals such as red lead, copper oxide, and lithium. These substances pose significant risks to public safety due to their highly combustible nature. They also threaten port infrastructure and the wider logistics supply chain.

The arrested individual has been remanded in judicial custody by the court. This action highlights the ongoing efforts to prevent illegal imports that endanger public safety and violate trade regulations.

With inputs from PTI