The Mumbai Zonal Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a major smuggling racket involving Chinese firecrackers being illegally brought into India. Acting on specific intelligence, officials launched a special operation, Operation Pyro Heist, and seized around 70 metric tonnes of firecrackers from four containers at Nhava Sheva Port. The seized consignment is estimated to be worth ₹17.07 crore. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to DRI officials, the smuggling syndicate had adopted a highly sophisticated modus operandi to evade customs checks. The firecrackers concealed inside the containers were falsely declared as general, non-hazardous goods in the documentation to avoid suspicion.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were planning to clandestinely remove the prohibited goods from within the Container Freight Station (CFS) and transfer them to another vehicle. For this purpose, the container seals had been illegally tampered with.
The DRI team conducted a raid at the spot and apprehended the accused red-handed while they were unloading the firecrackers from the containers and loading them into another vehicle.
Officials further stated that under India’s Foreign Trade Policy, the import of firecrackers is strictly regulated. Mandatory licensing from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) is required for such imports, and any unauthorized import of explosive materials is a punishable offence.
Further investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to identify and nab other members of the smuggling network.