New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): In a major crackdown, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of Pakistani-origin goods, valued at approximately ₹9 crore, from the Nhava Sheva Port in Navi Mumbai. Officials confirmed that one person has been arrested in connection with the case.
The seizure was part of “Operation Deep Manifest,” which targeted the illegal import of goods originating from Pakistan and routed into India through third countries, primarily via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. According to the Ministry of Finance, the goods were imported in violation of India’s import policy and government-imposed restrictions on Pakistani-origin products.
The government had imposed a complete ban—effective May 2, 2025—on both the direct and indirect import or transit of Pakistani-origin goods, following the terror attacks in Pahalgam. Prior to the ban, such imports were subject to a 200 percent customs duty. Despite these stringent measures, several importers allegedly attempted to evade the ban by misrepresenting the origin of goods and tampering with shipping documents.
“In two separate cases, these consignments were falsely declared as UAE-origin. However, investigations revealed that the goods had originated in Pakistan and were merely transshipped through Dubai,” the Ministry said in a statement.
According to officials, the goods were first transported from Karachi Port in Pakistan to Dubai, and then re-shipped to India using new containers and shipping routes. Forensic analysis of the shipping documents and physical examination of the cargo traced a clear trail of transshipment through Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port.
Moreover, financial investigations uncovered evidence of money transfers and connections to Pakistani entities, suggesting illicit financial flows tied to the operation. Authorities stated that the entire smuggling network was orchestrated through a sophisticated web involving individuals and entities based in both Pakistan and the UAE, with the intent to mask the true country of origin.
“In view of heightened security concerns and under the ongoing ‘Operation Sindoor’, the DRI has ramped up its surveillance by leveraging advanced data analytics and intelligence to scrutinize imports potentially linked to Pakistan,” the Finance Ministry added.
The arrested individual, identified as one of the partners of an importing firm, is currently in custody and facing legal proceedings under relevant provisions of the Customs Act. Investigations into the broader network and financial trails are ongoing. (ANI)
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