In a significant breakthrough in its ongoing nationwide crackdown on the illicit import of fireworks, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered yet another major smuggling attempt involving Chinese-origin firecrackers. The action forms part of Operation “Fire Trail,” which is aimed at curbing the large-scale trafficking of illegal firecrackers into India.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted a 40-foot container at Mundra Port that had arrived from China. The consignment was falsely declared as “water glass set” and “flower receptacle” to evade scrutiny. However, a meticulous examination of the cargo revealed that the outer layer of legitimate goods was being used to conceal approximately 30,000 pieces of fireworks and firecrackers hidden inside.
This interception follows similar operations conducted in October 2025, when the DRI thwarted smuggling attempts involving Chinese firecrackers at the ports of Mumbai and Tuticorin.
Firecrackers are categorized as a ‘Restricted’ item under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy, and their import requires mandatory licences from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) as per the Explosives Rules, 2008. The importer in this case failed to produce any of the required approvals and reportedly admitted to smuggling the goods for financial gain.
The contraband, along with the cover cargo, has been valued at approximately ₹5 crore and was seized on November 15, 2025, under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The financier and mastermind behind the operation has also been arrested.
Authorities warn that illegal firecrackers pose a severe threat to public safety, national security, port infrastructure, and supply chain systems due to their hazardous nature and potential use in unsafe environments.
Reaffirming its commitment to combating high-risk smuggling syndicates, the DRI stated that it will continue to actively pursue intelligence-driven operations to protect India’s trade ecosystem and ensure that dangerous contraband does not enter the country.
