28 Containers Of Pakistan-Origin Cosmetics And Dry Dates Worth ₹12 Crore Seized At Nhava Sheva Port
Mumbai, September 14, 2025: Post the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Government of India imposed a complete ban on direct or indirect import of Pakistani-origin goods into India on 2nd May 2025. Following the same, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched “Operation Deep Manifest” for interception and seizure of Pakistani-origin goods.
Continuing the operation, DRI Mumbai has seized 28 containers carrying 800 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin cosmetics and dry dates worth ₹12 crore at Nhava Sheva Port. The consignments were imported by three Indian importers in blatant violation of the prohibitions imposed by the Government. Pakistani dry dates and cosmetics were routed via Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, UAE, by misdeclaring them as of UAE origin. Investigations revealed that these consignments actually originated from Pakistan.
In the case of dry dates, a Dubai-based supplier, an Indian national, who facilitated the transhipment of dry dates from Pakistan by issuing fabricated invoices, has been arrested. The entire modus operandi was orchestrated through a complex web of transactions involving Pakistani, Indian and UAE nationals, aimed at obscuring the true origin of the goods. The Dubai-based supplier was operating on a commission basis and used his firms to disguise the trail of transshipment. The financial trail was also routed from India to Pakistan through him.
In the case of Pakistani cosmetics, one Customs broker has been arrested for facilitating the smuggling of cosmetics by misdeclaring the country of origin.
DRI Mumbai had initiated ‘Operation Deep Manifest’ in July 2025 with the seizure of 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of goods valued at approximately ₹9 crore, and arrested the importer behind the illicit importation. Despite these stringent measures, some importers attempt to bypass the Government policy by misdeclaring the origin of goods and manipulating shipping documents.
Such illicit importation of goods by unscrupulous importers, and their financial linkages with entities controlled by Pakistani nationals based in Dubai and Pakistan, poses a serious threat to national security.
In the light of prevailing regional and global security threats, “Operation Deep Manifest” exemplifies DRI’s steadfast commitment to upholding Government policy, customs and relevant laws; safeguarding national and economic security; and preventing misuse of trade channels for the import of Pakistani-origin goods. Through strategic intelligence, targeted enforcement, and inter-agency coordination, DRI continues to play a pivotal role in securing India’s economic frontiers.
