KUTCH: In a major enforcement action against the illicit import of Chinese-origin firecrackers, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized a large consignment of smuggled fireworks valued at ₹5 crore from Mundra port. The operation, conducted under DRI’s ongoing crackdown “Operation Fire Trail,” has once again exposed the increasingly sophisticated methods used by smuggling syndicates.
According to DRI, a 40-foot container arriving from China was intercepted and examined at the port. The consignment had been officially declared as containing “water glass sets” and “flower receptacles.” A closer inspection, however, revealed a meticulously concealed stock of 30,000 pieces of firecrackers and fireworks hidden behind a front layer of the declared cargo.
This seizure comes weeks after DRI thwarted similar smuggling attempts at Mumbai and Tuticorin ports in October 2025, indicating a pattern of coordinated illegal imports aimed at exploiting high demand in the domestic market.
Illicit import without mandatory DGFT and PESO licences
The import of firecrackers is classified as “Restricted” under the ITC (HS) classification of the Foreign Trade Policy. Any legal import requires prior approvals from: Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008. DRI confirmed that the importer had no valid licence or supporting documents. During questioning, the individual admitted that the consignment was brought into the country for monetary gain through smuggling channels.
The agency subsequently seized the smuggled fireworks along with the cover cargo under the Customs Act, 1962, on 15 November 2025. DRI also arrested the mastermind-cum-financier behind the illegal import, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.
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Hazardous goods with severe public safety implications
Authorities emphasised that the illegal import of such unregulated fireworks poses serious risks, including:
- potential fire hazards,
- threats to port infrastructure,
- dangers to ships and logistics workers, and
- significant national security concerns due to the concealment techniques used.
Beyond safety risks, the influx of smuggled fireworks undermines domestic manufacturers who operate under stringent compliance norms, and distorts legitimate trade channels.
DRI’s continued crackdown under ‘Fire Trail’
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to combating the smuggling of hazardous and restricted goods. Under “Fire Trail,” DRI has significantly intensified its surveillance and enforcement actions across major Indian ports.
Officials said the directorate remains focused on:
- dismantling organised smuggling networks,
- safeguarding public safety, and
- protecting the integrity of India’s trade and security ecosystem.
The investigation into the broader network behind this latest interception is ongoing, with DRI examining potential links to earlier seizures and cross-border suppliers.
