Pakistani-Origin Goods Smuggled via Dubai: DRI Seizes 39 Containers, One Arrested

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the anti-smuggling arm of the Finance Ministry, seized 39 containers holding 1,115 metric tonnes of Pakistani-origin goods, valued at approximately Rs 9 crore, reported The Indian Express.

Importers routed these goods to India via the UAE despite government restrictions imposed on Pakistani goods after the Pahalgam terror attack.

The government terminated direct trade with Pakistan by closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) on 24 April.

On 2 May, the Centre banned direct or indirect import or transit of Pakistani goods.

“DRI launched an operation codenamed Operation Deep Manifest, targeting the illegal import of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries, primarily via Dubai, UAE. The operation has thus far led to the seizure of 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods valued at approximately Rs 9 crore... One of the partners of an importing firm was arrested on 26 June,” the Ministry of Finance stated.

Despite the government's stringent measures, some importers attempt to bypass the policy by "misdeclaring the origin of goods and by manipulating the related shipping documents", the statement said.

"In two separate cases, these consignments were seized at Nhava Sheva port. The consignments of dry dates were falsely declared as UAE-origin, masking their Pakistani origin. However, investigations revealed that these goods actually originated from Pakistan and were merely transshipped via Dubai for import into India," the statement added.

According to the ministry, investigations revealed that the goods were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai on one set of containers and vessels, and subsequently transferred to another set of containers and vessels bound for India.

"Further examination of goods and analysis of documents gathered during investigations conducted so far uncovered cargo movement trails from Karachi port, Pakistan, and transshipments at Jabel Ali port, Dubai – en route to Indian ports. Furthermore, money transfers/financial linkages with Pakistani entities were traced, raising serious concerns about illicit financial flows," the statement said.

"The entire modus operandi was orchestrated through a complex web of transactions involving Pakistani and UAE nationals, aimed at obscuring the true origin of the goods, namely Pakistan," it added.

Also Read : Goa's Zuari Bridge Set To Get Twin 125 Metre Towers By 2028