Mumbai/Navi Mumbai: In one of the significant crackdowns at Nhava Sheva Port, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 132 containers valued at around ₹139 crore, exposing a well-organised smuggling network operating under the cover of legitimate agricultural imports. The action followed intelligence indicating large-scale misdeclaration of restricted and regulated goods imported into India.
Acting on specific information, DRI officials inspected consignments totalling 3,029 metric tonnes (MT), which were declared in official documents as ‘toor dal/pigeon peas’. However, a detailed physical examination revealed a completely different reality. The seized cargo included 2,710 MT of watermelon seeds and 319 MT of green peas, both of which are subject to strict import regulations.
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Food declared on paper, restricted seeds in reality
According to investigators, the entire operation was designed to bypass customs regulations and import restrictions by misdeclaring the actual goods. By labelling the shipment as a routine edible commodity, the network allegedly attempted to evade scrutiny and regulatory compliance.
As per government regulations, imports of watermelon and other melon-family seeds have been either restricted or placed under controlled categories since mid-2024 under Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) Notification No. 05/2023 dated April 5, 2024.
Similarly, green peas imports are regulated under DGFT Notification No. 37/2015–20 dated December 18, 2019, which imposes a minimum import price of ₹200 per kilogram (CIF) and restricts entry through designated ports, primarily Kolkata Port.
International trail leads to Tanzania and Sudan
Preliminary findings suggest that the consignment originated from Tanzania and Sudan, raising suspicions of an organised international smuggling syndicate operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Officials believe the network is not limited to simple trade violations but is part of a structured system involved in routing restricted agricultural commodities into India under false declarations.
Authorities noted that such practices not only violate customs and trade laws but also disrupt the domestic agricultural market, creating unfair competition for legitimate importers and local producers.
Importer arrested, wider network under scanner
In connection with the case, the proprietor of the importing firm has been arrested and identified as a key figure in the operation. Early investigations indicate his central role in coordinating the misdeclaration and logistics of the shipment.
However, agencies are now expanding the probe to identify other individuals involved in the financial transactions, shipping arrangements, and overseas supply chain. Officials suspect the involvement of multiple entities operating across states and possibly international networks.
Possibility of more consignments under investigation
Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of similar consignments entering India through other ports or logistics channels. Surveillance across import routes has been intensified in light of the findings.
DRI officials have indicated that further disclosures are likely as digital records, shipping documents, and financial trails are being thoroughly analysed. The case is expected to unravel deeper layers of the smuggling network in the coming days.
Impact on the economy and trade ecosystem
Experts note that such fraudulent import practices result in significant revenue losses for the government and distort market prices. They further note that legitimate traders face unfair disadvantages due to artificially manipulated supply chains.
The agricultural supply ecosystem is also impacted, as misdeclared imports can disrupt pricing stability and affect domestic production competitiveness.
Probe continues, more revelations expected
Investigations remain ongoing as agencies continue to map the full extent of the network’s operations. Authorities expect that more names and entities may emerge as the probe progresses, potentially revealing a wider international smuggling framework operating through multiple trade routes.
