The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Chinese firecrackers worth approximately Rs 35 crore in a major crackdown on illegal imports. The operation, codenamed "Operation Fire Trail," led to the interception and seizure of a massive quantity of firecrackers concealed in seven containers. The containers were destined for or located at Nhava Sheva Port, Mundra Port, and Kandla Special Economic Zone (SEZ). One person has been arrested in connection with the case.

According to a statement from the finance ministry on Friday, the illegally imported Chinese firecrackers weighed 100 metric tonnes. The importers had falsely declared the contents of the containers as "mini decorative plants," "artificial flowers," and "plastic mats". The scheme involved a KASEZ unit and certain Importer Exporter Code (IEC) holders. Some of the consignments were routed through Kandla SEZ by a KASEZ unit with the intention of diverting them into the domestic tariff area (DTA).

A key individual, who is a partner of the SEZ unit, was found to be actively involved in the smuggling operation through misdeclaration and misuse of SEZ provisions. The individual has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody by the court.

The import of firecrackers is "restricted" under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy. It requires licenses from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosive Rules 2008. Chinese firecrackers often contain banned chemicals such as red lead, copper oxide, and lithium, posing a significant risk to public safety due to their highly combustible nature. They also pose a threat to port infrastructure and the wider logistics supply chain.

DRI's "Operation Fire Trail" highlights the agency's commitment to prevent illegal imports and ensure compliance with the Foreign Trade Policy and Explosive Rules. The operation not only led to the seizure of a large quantity of illicit firecrackers but also resulted in the arrest of a key individual involved in the smuggling racket. This action sends a strong message to those who attempt to violate import regulations and endanger public safety through illegal activities.