The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a large consignment of banned Chinese firecrackers worth Rs 4.82 crore at Maharashtra’s Nhava Sheva Port. The seizure, made during a covert mission codenamed “Operation Fire Trail”, exposed an elaborate smuggling network that attempted to disguise the consignment as legitimate textile imports.
The intercepted 40-foot container, declared as carrying “leggings,” was traced to a shipment originating from China and destined for the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. Upon inspection, DRI officers found 46,640 concealed firecracker pieces hidden behind a superficial layer of garments, meticulously packed to mislead customs checks.
Operation Fire Trail
According to officials, the intelligence-led operation was executed by the DRI’s Mumbai Zonal Unit. Acting on a specific tip-off, officers closely monitored a suspicious consignment arriving from China. When the container was finally opened, inspectors discovered that the declared textile goods covered up a massive haul of fireworks, all of Chinese origin and banned under Indian import regulations.
A DRI officer involved in the case was quoted in the media saying, “The operation once again reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding national security and public safety. The smuggling of explosive materials like firecrackers will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Subsequent raids were carried out in Gujarat, where one individual linked to the smuggling syndicate was arrested in Veraval. Officials also recovered documents detailing how the network used fake invoices and misleading product codes to clear shipments through customs undetected.
Violation of import and explosives laws
The import of firecrackers into India is strictly restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy, and can only be carried out with prior approval and valid licences issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), as per the Explosives Rules, 2008.
Authorities noted that in addition to trade violations, such illegal imports pose a significant safety and environmental hazard. The DRI has repeatedly warned that unregulated storage and transportation of firecrackers can lead to accidental explosions, fires, and pollution risks.
“Illegal consignments of this nature not only undermine India’s trade safety ecosystem but also endanger port workers and logistics operations,” said a senior DRI source.
Rising vigilance ahead of Diwali
With Diwali just days away, the operation shows heightened enforcement activity to prevent the inflow of Chinese-made fireworks, which continue to find illicit routes into Indian markets despite repeated bans. Over the past few years, authorities have intensified surveillance at key ports, especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat, to intercept such shipments.
Investigators said the seizure indicates a wider nexus involving import agents, shipping intermediaries, and local distributors attempting to exploit festive demand.
“The financial trail behind this consignment is being traced. We are coordinating with multiple agencies to identify other stakeholders involved in the smuggling network,” an official added.
Public safety and economic impact
Illegal imports of Chinese fireworks have been a persistent issue in India, often hurting domestic manufacturers and small-scale firecracker industries that comply with environmental and safety norms. Besides economic loss, the influx of untested Chinese products poses dangers due to their high explosive content and lack of quality certification.
Officials emphasised that seizures like these not only help in maintaining law and order but also protect Indian industries from unfair trade practices.
The arrested suspect is being interrogated to establish links to the import company, intermediaries, and potential financiers of the illegal operation. The DRI has also initiated steps to identify shell firms used to facilitate the consignment’s clearance at customs.
The consignment, valued at Rs 4.82 crore, remains in DRI custody as investigations continue.
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