- By Shibra Arshad
- Sat, 12 Jul 2025 11:45 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major crackdown against illegal imports, the Mumbai Zonal unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) confiscated firecrackers costing around 35 crore rupees. The recovery was made as DRI intercepted crackers at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla SEZ as part of a massive crackdown codenamed ‘Operation Fire Trail’
These firecrackers were illegally imported under a false declaration, disguised as “Mini Decorative Plants," “Artificial Flowers," and “Plastic Mats." The cracker weighed around 100 metric tonnes.
The illegal products came through a KASEZ (Kandla Special Economic Zone) unit and several IEC (Importer Exporter Code) holders. The consignment was planned to be diverted into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
The mastermind of the trail was identified as a partner in the SEZ unit and has been arrested. The court has sent the accused to judicial custody.
As firecrackers are explosive, they pose a severe threat to the port infrastructure and overall logistic network.
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Firecracker imports in India are classified as 'Restricted' under the Foreign Trade Policy, requiring a license from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) as per the Explosive Rules 2008. This strict regulation is likely due to the hazardous nature of firecrackers and fireworks, which contain banned chemicals such as red lead, copper oxide, and lithium.
