In a significant operation conducted on Monday, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized a substantial shipment of 20 metric tonnes of illegally imported firecrackers of Chinese origin at Nhava Seva Port in Mumbai. The seized firecrackers, valued at Rs 6.32 crore, were disguised as ‘leggings’ to avoid detection, according to officials.
DRI officials uncovered around 60,000 firecrackers hidden inside a container beneath a superficial layer of leggings. The seizure was carried out in accordance with the Customs Act.
This recent operation marks another success for the DRI in its ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade of firecrackers. In an earlier operation named ‘Operation Fire Trail,’ the DRI confiscated nearly 100 metric tonnes of illicit firecrackers worth around Rs 35 crore. These firecrackers were discovered concealed in seven containers spread across three ports, including Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ.
Due to the hazardous nature of firecrackers containing chemicals such as red lead, copper oxide, and lithium, which pose significant risks to public safety, port facilities, and the broader logistics chain, the import of these items is restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy. Importers are required to obtain licenses from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosive Rules 2008.