DRI Seizes Rs. 5.01 Crore Worth of Chinese Firecrackers in ‘Operation Fire Trail’ at Tuticorin Port; 4 Arrested.
Massive bust ahead of Diwali as smuggled firecrackers misdeclared as engineering goods uncovered; poses serious safety risk.
New Delhi/Tuticorin:
In a significant crackdown on illegal imports ahead of the festive season, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle a large consignment of Chinese firecrackers into India under the ongoing ‘Operation Fire Trail’.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officers intercepted two 40-foot containers at Tuticorin Port, which were falsely declared as containing engineering goods. Upon inspection, the containers were found to hold a staggering 83,520 pieces of Chinese firecrackers, concealed alongside cover cargo of silicon sealant guns. The seized contraband is valued at Rs. 5.01 crore.
Coordinated Multi-City Operation
The operation, conducted between October 14 and 18, involved coordinated efforts across multiple cities. The importer was apprehended in Tuticorin, and subsequent investigations led to the arrest of three more individuals, including two from Mumbai. The fourth accused was nabbed in Chennai.
All four accused have been remanded to judicial custody for their coordinated role in the smuggling operation.
Violation of Trade and Safety Laws
The import of firecrackers is restricted under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy, and requires specific authorisations from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), in accordance with the Explosive Rules, 2008.
The smuggling attempt not only violates India’s foreign trade and safety regulations, but also poses a grave risk to public safety and port infrastructure due to the highly combustible nature of the consignment.
National Security and Public Safety at Stake
The DRI emphasized that such illegal imports undermine domestic policies aimed at controlling the use of unsafe and environmentally harmful fireworks, especially during peak festive seasons. Moreover, these actions jeopardize port operations and public safety, with the potential for devastating accidents.
DRI’s Ongoing Vigilance
The agency reiterated its commitment to cracking down on smuggling networks, protecting national infrastructure, and ensuring public safety. ‘Operation Fire Trail’ is part of a wider DRI initiative to prevent illegal imports of restricted and hazardous goods.
This latest seizure highlights the proactive and intelligence-driven approach of DRI in protecting India’s borders from the infiltration of dangerous contraband and ensuring compliance with both trade laws and public safety norms.
