In a major crackdown on illegal imports, the Mumbai Zonal Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday said that it has seized a large consignment of Chinese-origin firecrackers worth Rs 4.4 crore at Nhava Sheva Port under its ‘Operation Fire Trail’.

The seizure, aimed at curbing the smuggling of hazardous fireworks into India, officials said.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials identified a suspicious 40-foot container that had been falsely declared as carrying “glass bottles” from China. Upon inspection, officers uncovered 29,340 pieces of firecrackers hidden behind a superficial layer of glass bottles, a deliberate attempt to evade detection.

The import of firecrackers is classified as ‘Restricted’ under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy, requiring mandatory clearances from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.

Officials said the smuggling of such hazardous goods poses serious threats to public safety, infrastructure, and national security. Notably, in October 2025 alone, DRI’s Mumbai unit has seized illegal fireworks valued at around Rs 16 crore.

The operation highlights the DRI’s ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks, ensure compliance with trade regulations, and safeguard India’s borders from the illegal entry of dangerous goods.

DRI seizes Chinese-origin firecrackers worth Rs 4.82 crore in Navi Mumbai; one arrested 

Earlier, under its ongoing ‘Operation Fire Trail’, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) foiled a sophisticated smuggling attempt involving the illegal import of Chinese-origin fireworks and firecrackers into India. 

During this operation, DRI officers intercepted a 40-foot container at Navi Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port, originating from China and destined for ICD Ankleshwar, which was declared as carrying “leggings”. A detailed inspection uncovered 46,640 concealed firecrackers/fireworks hidden behind a layer of garments. The consignment, valued at Rs 4.82 crore, was seized. 

Subsequent searches led to the recovery of incriminating documents outlining the smuggling syndicate`s modus operandi and the arrest of a key person from Veraval, Gujarat.

The import of firecrackers is restricted under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid licences from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008. 

The unlawful import of such hazardous goods poses grave risks to public safety, national security, port infrastructure, and the wider shipping chain. The DRI said it continues to investigate and dismantle organised smuggling networks involving hazardous goods.

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