The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), under its ongoing operation “Fire Trail”, has intercepted a major smuggling attempt involving the illegal import of Chinese-origin firecrackers at Mundra Port, Gujarat.
Acting on intelligence inputs, DRI officers examined a 40-foot container arriving from China, which had been falsely declared as carrying “water glass set” and “flower receptacle”. A detailed inspection revealed that 30,000 pieces of firecrackers/fireworks were concealed behind a front layer of genuine glassware.
The importer lacked valid licences required under India’s Foreign Trade Policy and the Explosives Rules, 2008. Import of firecrackers is classified as “Restricted” and requires approvals from both DGFT and PESO. The accused admitted that the consignment was smuggled for monetary gains.
The smuggled firecrackers and cover goods — valued at ₹5 crore — were seized under the Customs Act, 1962 on 15 November 2025. The mastermind and financier behind the smuggling attempt has been arrested.
This operation follows similar DRI seizures in Mumbai and Tuticorin earlier in October 2025, reinforcing the agency’s crackdown on illicit import of hazardous goods. Authorities emphasised that such illegal consignments pose serious threats to public safety, national security, and critical port infrastructure.
The DRI stated that it remains committed to protecting the country from dangerous and unauthorized imports.