The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dealt a significant blow to illegal trade activities by seizing Pakistan-origin goods worth approximately ₹9 crore under "Operation Deep Manifest." This operation targeted the illicit import of goods routed through third countries, primarily the UAE, in contravention of government policies and import regulations. The DRI's action underscores its commitment to safeguarding India's economic and national security.
"Operation Deep Manifest" led to the seizure of 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods. These consignments were falsely declared as originating from the UAE to bypass the ban on direct or indirect imports from Pakistan, which was imposed following the terror attacks in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. Effective from May 2, 2025, this ban replaced the earlier imposition of a 200% customs duty on Pakistani goods, aiming to completely sever trade ties with Pakistan due to national security concerns.
DRI investigations revealed a sophisticated modus operandi employed by importers to conceal the true origin of the goods. The goods were initially transported from Karachi, Pakistan, to Dubai, UAE, using one set of containers and vessels. In Dubai, a crucial transshipment hub, the goods were then transferred to a different set of containers and vessels before being shipped to Indian ports, primarily Nhava Sheva. This layered approach was designed to evade the import ban and complicate tracing efforts. The seized consignments primarily consisted of dry dates.
The DRI's probe extended beyond deceptive shipping practices, unearthing money transfers and financial linkages with Pakistani entities. This discovery raises concerns about potential illicit financial flows that could have broader security implications. The operation involved a coordinated network of Pakistani and UAE nationals who used layered logistics and trade documentation to disguise the origin of the goods.
One individual, a partner of an importing firm, was arrested on June 26, 2025, in connection with the seizure. This arrest highlights the DRI's commitment to holding individuals accountable for violating import policies and engaging in illegal trade activities. The arrested individual is expected to provide further insights into the smuggling network and its operations.
"Operation Deep Manifest" exemplifies the DRI's dedication to upholding government policies, customs laws, and other relevant regulations. By preventing the misuse of trade channels for importing Pakistani-origin goods, the DRI is actively protecting India's economic sovereignty and national security. The operation serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts required to counter clandestine activities and reinforces India's commitment to protecting its interests in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges. The success of this operation can be attributed to strategic intelligence gathering, targeted enforcement, and effective inter-agency coordination. The DRI's proactive surveillance and data analytics capabilities played a crucial role in identifying and intercepting the illegal consignments.
This operation is also a part of "Operation Sindoor", aimed at curbing security threats through targeted cargo inspections.
