DRI seizes Chinese-origin fireworks worth over Rs 12 crore at Chennai Port

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Chinese-origin fireworks worth approximately Rs 12 crore at Chennai Port after uncovering their alleged illegal import through misdeclaration and concealment, the agency said on Tuesday.

Acting on specific intelligence developed by the DRI's Hyderabad Zonal Unit, officers examined suspected containers at the port in separate coordinated operations last week.

The fireworks were allegedly being imported by misdeclaring the consignments as stationery items, medical gloves, plastic clips, hair bands, storage wardrobes, shoe racks and other goods, the DRI said in a release.

During searches and examination of the containers, officers recovered large quantities of Chinese-origin pyrotechnic fireworks concealed behind cartons containing the declared cover cargo, it said.

The seized fireworks were collectively valued at approximately Rs 12 crore, according to the agency.

Import of firecrackers and fireworks is restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid authorisations from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008, the DRI said.

The agency said the consignments had been imported without the required licences and involved misdeclaration and concealment.

The fireworks were subsequently seized under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, it said.

The DRI said it has been carrying out intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement operations across the country to curb the smuggling of restricted and prohibited goods.