In a significant crackdown on smuggling, officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a large consignment of imported cigarettes at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The contraband, valued at approximately Rs 25 lakh, was seized from a passenger who had just arrived on a flight from Dubai.
Operation Based on Intelligence Leads to Detention
The successful operation was the result of actionable inputs gathered from both technical surveillance and human intelligence networks. Acting swiftly on this information, DRI sleuths identified and detained the flyer upon arrival for detailed questioning. The 2,000 packets of imported cigarettes were discovered meticulously packed inside the passenger's suitcase.
Officials highlighted that the seized cigarettes lacked the mandatory statutory and pictorial health warnings required by Indian law. "Further investigation is on to ascertain whether he was just the carrier or he deals in imported cigarettes," revealed a DRI source involved in the case. The identity of the carrier was not disclosed, as the value of the seized goods was below the Rs 50 lakh threshold for such revelations.
A Commercial Violation with High Profit Margins
DRI officials clarified that this seizure represents a clear case of commercial regulation violation aimed at evading hefty customs duties, and is not linked to narcotics. "This is purely a commercial violation and does not fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act," a senior officer stated.
The financial motive behind such smuggling attempts is substantial. Each cigarette, with an base value of around Rs 15-20, can retail for up to Rs 50 after all applicable duties and taxes are levied. By bypassing the legal import channel, smugglers stand to gain enormous profit margins, which drives such illicit activities.
Part of a Broader Crackdown on Contraband
This incident marks the third instance in the past two years where imported cigarettes have been seized at the Bhubaneswar airport, indicating a persistent smuggling route. The DRI, in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, is intensifying its efforts to dismantle supply and distribution networks, especially those operating near educational institutions.
The cigarette seizure follows closely on the heels of another major interception by authorities, where marijuana worth Rs 4 crore was confiscated. That operation was notably the 10th interception of Thailand-made hydroponic ganja since January 2024, underscoring the ongoing vigilance against various forms of contraband entering the region.
