The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully intercepted and seized a massive consignment valued at approximately ₹35 crore. The operation, codenamed “Operation Fire Trail”, led to the recovery of over 100 metric tonnes of illicitly imported fireworks that were misdeclared and hidden across seven containers located at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
According to official sources, the contraband was falsely declared as harmless items such as “Mini Decorative Plants,” “Artificial Flowers,” and “Plastic Mats.” The consignment was linked to a KASEZ unit and certain Importer Exporter Code (IEC) holders who allegedly orchestrated the smuggling attempt.
One of the containers was notably routed through Kandla SEZ, with the intention of diverting the consignment into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) in violation of SEZ regulations. A key suspect—a partner of the SEZ unit involved in the operation—has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody by the competent court.
The import of firecrackers into India is classified as ‘Restricted’ under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy, and requires mandatory licensing from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) as per Explosives Rules, 2008. The illegally imported fireworks were also found to contain banned chemicals such as red lead, copper oxide, and lithium—raising serious health and safety concerns.
Authorities have underscored the public safety risks posed by the smuggled firecrackers, highlighting their highly combustible nature and the threat they pose to port infrastructure and the logistics supply chain.
This well-coordinated enforcement action by the DRI highlights the agency’s firm stance against smuggling and its ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of India’s Exim trade ecosystem. By intercepting these shipments, the DRI has averted potentially catastrophic hazards, including accidental explosions and supply chain disruptions.
The agency reiterated its commitment to detect, deter, and dismantle smuggling syndicates, with a continued focus on protecting national infrastructure and public welfare.
