New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has struck a major blow against the illicit trade of Chinese firecrackers in India. In a meticulously planned operation codenamed 'Operation Fire Trail', the agency successfully intercepted and seized a massive haul of illegal fireworks, valued at approximately ₹35 crore.

The contraband, weighing a staggering 100 metric tonnes, was discovered hidden within seven containers destined for or already located at key Indian ports: Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Smugglers had attempted to sneak these hazardous goods into the country by falsely declaring them as innocuous items such as 'Mini Decorative Plants', 'Artificial Flowers', and 'Plastic Mats', using the names of a KASEZ unit and various IEC (Importer Exporter Code) holders.

Notably, some of these illicit consignments were routed through the Kandla SEZ by a local unit, with the clear intent of diverting them into India's Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). A key individual, identified as a partner of this SEZ unit and found to be actively involved in the smuggling operation through misdeclaration and misuse of SEZ provisions, has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

The import of firecrackers is strictly 'Restricted' under India's Foreign Trade Policy, requiring specific licenses from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosive Rules 2008. Beyond regulatory breaches, these Chinese fireworks pose a severe risk due to their highly combustible nature and the presence of banned chemicals like red lead, copper oxide, and lithium, which are harmful to public safety and the environment. Their illicit presence also jeopardises port infrastructure and the broader logistics supply chain, given the high risk of accidental explosions.

The DRI emphasised that this seamlessly executed operation highlights its firm commitment to combating smuggling, safeguarding critical national infrastructure, and ensuring public safety. By preventing these illegal and hazardous shipments from entering Indian markets, the agency has proactively averted potential dangers ranging from accidental explosions to significant supply chain disruptions.

An official statement from the DRI reiterated, “The DRI remains committed to its mission of detecting, deterring, and dismantling illicit networks that undermine the Exim trade ecosystem and endanger public safety.”

With inputs from IANS