DRI Seizes Chinese Firecrackers Worth Rs 35 Crore In Major Crackdown, 1 Arrested

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Last Updated:July 12, 2025, 10:14 IST

DRI Mumbai seized Chinese firecrackers worth Rs 35 crore in 'Operation Fire Trail.' The illegal imports were intercepted at Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Kandla SEZ.

The crackdown led to the interception of seven containers of these crackers at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ.

The crackdown led to the interception of seven containers of these crackers at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ.

In a massive crackdown against illegal imports, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, has seized Chinese firecrackers worth approximately Rs 35 crore. The recovery was made as a part of the operation codenamed ‘Operation Fire Trail’. The crackdown led to the interception of seven containers of these crackers at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ.

The firecrackers, weighing around 100 metric tonnes, were illicitly imported under false declarations, disguised as goods like “Mini Decorative Plants," “Artificial Flowers," and “Plastic Mats."

The imports were routed through a KASEZ (Kandla Special Economic Zone) unit and several IEC (Importer Exporter Code) holders, with an intent to divert the consignments into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).

A key individual, a partner in the SEZ unit, was identified as the mastermind behind the operation and has been arrested. He has been remanded to judicial custody by the court.

Under India’s Foreign Trade Policy, firecracker imports are classified as ‘Restricted’ and require license from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), as per Explosive Rules 2008. Firecrackers and fireworks contain banned and hazardous chemicals like red lead, copper oxide, and lithium.

Due to their explosive nature, such consignments pose a major threat to public safety, port infrastructure, and the broader logistics network.

This carefully coordinated operation reflects DRI’s strong commitment to curbing smuggling activities and protecting national security. By intercepting these dangerous goods, the agency has averted risks of accidental explosions and serious disruptions to the supply chain.

The DRI continues to strengthen its vigilance to dismantle illicit smuggling rackets that undermine Exim trade ecosystem.

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Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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