DRI seizes 10,000 kg of firecrackers worth ₹3 crore at Nhava Sheva port

MUMBAI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Thursday intercepted an import consignment at Nhava Sheva Port and seized 19,800 pieces of smuggled firecrackers weighing approximately 10,000 kg and valued at about ₹3 crore, according to officials aware of the development

MUMBAI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Thursday intercepted an import consignment at Nhava Sheva Port and seized 19,800 pieces of smuggled firecrackers weighing approximately 10,000 kg and valued at about ₹3 crore, according to officials aware of the development.

The firecrackers, identified as 288 Gatling, were concealed in a container found to be filled predominantly with the contraband, except for the first three rows, which contained declared goods, such as bottles and wallpaper, officials said.

The firecrackers, along with the declared cover cargo, were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The import of firecrackers is restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and a requisite licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.

During the investigation, the DRI arrested a key member of the syndicate who was allegedly orchestrating the clandestine clearance of the consignment. The arrest was made under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.