In a significant pre-Diwali operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a massive consignment of illegal Chinese-origin firecrackers valued at a staggering ₹4.82 crore at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port.
The Suspicious Shipment
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials identified a suspicious container that had arrived from China. The consignment was cleverly misdeclared as "industrial goods" in an attempt to bypass Indian customs regulations.
Upon thorough examination, authorities discovered the container was packed with various types of firecrackers, completely contradicting the declared contents. The seizure comes at a crucial time, just weeks before the Diwali festival season when demand for fireworks typically surges.
Violation of Multiple Regulations
The illegal shipment violated several critical regulations:
- Import of Chinese-made firecrackers is prohibited under Indian law
- False declaration of goods constitutes customs fraud
- Potential safety hazards due to unverified quality standards
- Violation of explosive substances regulations
Ongoing Investigation
DRI has launched a comprehensive investigation to trace the entire supply chain involved in this illegal operation. Authorities are working to identify:
- The Indian importers behind this shipment
- The intended distribution network within India
- Possible connections to previous similar cases
- The complete modus operandi of the smuggling racket
This seizure highlights the continued vigilance of Indian customs authorities in preventing the influx of illegal and potentially hazardous goods into the country, particularly during festive seasons when such activities typically peak.
