Mumbai : DRI’s Zonal Unit Intercepts Container of Foreign-Origin Cigarettes Worth Rs 10.08 Crores at Nhava Sheva Port

In a significant anti-smuggling operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit has successfully intercepted and seized a container carrying foreign-origin cigarettes, valued at INR 10.08 crores. The consignment, falsely declared as ‘Chinese Viscose Woven Carpet,’ was uncovered during a meticulously executed operation at Nhava Sheva Port.

Acting on specific intelligence, the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit,  intercepted two import containers arriving from Jebel Ali port, UAE. Upon detailed examination of the first container, it was revealed that the purported ‘Chinese Viscose Woven Carpet’ was, in fact, a cover for a full load of Foreign-brand cigarettes, specifically Esse Change (Made in Korea).

The second container, initially declared as carrying 325 rolls of old and used carpets, also raised suspicion. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that smugglers were exploiting this cover cargo to deceive customs authorities. Concealed within the rolls were a total of 67,20,000 sticks of cigarettes, leading to their immediate seizure, along with the old and used carpets, under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

The estimated value of the seized cigarettes amounts to a substantial INR 10.08 crores. Further investigation is under progress. Such seizure shows DRI’s resolve towards its anti-smuggling mandate and taking exemplary actions against the syndicates involved in such nefarious activities.