DRI Seizes Banned Firecrackers Worth ₹3 Crore at Nhava Sheva Port

Officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have seized a suspicious shipment of imported firecrackers at Nhava Sheva Port following a tip-off. During the investigation, it was discovered that the firecrackers were hidden behind goods declared as bottles and wallpaper. Detailed searches led to the recovery of 19,800 firecrackers, known as '288 Gatlings,' weighing approximately 10,000 kilograms. The estimated market value of the seized fireworks is approximately ₹3 crore. Examination of the container revealed that while the first three rows contained the declared goods, the remainder of the container was filled with firecrackers. Both the fireworks and the cover cargo have been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. According to the Foreign Trade Policy, the import of firecrackers falls under the 'restricted' category. This requires a valid authorization from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and a mandatory license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008. During the operation, a key member of the gang who planned and attempted to covertly clear the shipment was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962. According to the DRI, this operation is part of ongoing efforts to prevent the misdeclaration and clandestine import of restricted items through commercial cargo channels.