The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has seized 30,000 smuggled firecrackers worth about Rs 5 crore at Mundra port during an operation conducted on 15 November, officials said. The action was part of operation Fire Trail, which targets the unlawful import of Chinese made fireworks into India.
Officers intercepted a forty foot container that had arrived from China. It was declared as carrying a consignment of water glass sets and flower receptacles. A detailed inspection found that the declared items formed only a front layer, behind which firecrackers and fireworks were concealed. The seizure follows similar attempts that were foiled at Mumbai and Tuticorin in October. The import of firecrackers is classified as restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid licences from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation. Officials said the importer did not have any of the mandatory documents and admitted that the goods had been brought in unlawfully for financial gain.
The smuggled firecrackers and the cover cargo have been valued at around Rs 5 crore and were seized under provisions of the Customs Act. The DRI also arrested the mastermind and financier behind the consignment. Authorities said the import of such hazardous material without approval presents serious risks to public safety, national security and port operations. They added that the smuggling of fireworks can endanger workers, transport channels and storage facilities due to the highly combustible nature of the goods.
The DRI stated that it will continue to act against organised networks attempting to bring restricted or dangerous items into the country. Officers emphasised that the agency remains committed to protecting the integrity of India’s trade system by identifying and dismantling smuggling routes and intercepting illegal consignments before they reach commercial markets.
