Smuggled Chinese Firecrackers Worth Rs 35 Crore Seized In DRI’s ‘Operation Fire Trail’ Across Indian Ports; One Arrested

In a major crackdown on illegal imports from China, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Chinese firecrackers worth approximately Rs 35 crore in a coordinated operation dubbed Operation Fire Trail.

The smuggled items were "traced, intercepted, and seized" from seven shipping containers destined for or lying at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement on Friday (11 July).

"These Chinese fireworks, weighing 100 metric tonne were illicitly imported in the name of a KASEZ unit and certain IEC holders, by misdeclaring them as goods such as “Mini Decorative Plants,” “Artificial Flowers”, and “Plastic Mats”," the ministry said.

The ministry added that some of these consignments were routed through Kandla SEZ by a KASEZ unit with an intent of diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).

"The key individual, a partner of the SEZ unit, found to be actively involved in the smuggling of Chinese firecrackers/fireworks through misdeclaration and misuse of SEZ provisions, has been arrested. He has been remanded to judicial custody by the Hon’ble Court," it added.

According to the ministry, the import of firecrackers is ‘Restricted’ under ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy, and requires licences from DGFT and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosive Rules 2008.

Firecrackers and fireworks are harmful as they contain banned chemicals like red lead, copper oxide, lithium, etc.

Further, they pose a significant risk to public safety, port infrastructure, and the wider logistics supply chain due to their highly combustible nature.

The ministry said that this "meticulously planned and seamlessly executed operation underscores DRI’s unwavering resolve to combat smuggling, safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure, and protect public safety".

"By preventing these illegal hazardous shipments from entering Indian markets, DRI has averted potential hazards ranging from accidental explosions to supply chain disruptions," the ministry added.

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