DRI Seizes ₹9 Crore Pakistani Goods Falsely Declared as UAE Origin
In a major breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized Pakistani-origin goods worth ₹9 crore in a high-stakes operation dubbed “Operation Deep Manifest.” The bust, carried out at Mumbai Port, exposed a sophisticated smuggling network that falsely declared the consignments as being of UAE origin to circumvent Indian import restrictions and evade customs duties.
The goods intercepted include high-end luxury items such as branded electronics, cosmetics, and apparel—categories often subject to steep duties and regulatory scrutiny. The DRI investigation revealed that the smugglers used falsified documentation and layered logistics to disguise the true origin of the shipments, enabling them to slip past conventional checks.
Deceptive Trade Route Uncovered
According to officials, the operation was triggered by intelligence inputs about irregularities in consignment declarations at key Indian ports. On closer inspection of suspicious shipments, customs officers found inconsistencies in documentation. Cross-verification confirmed that the goods had originated in Pakistan, despite the manifest showing the UAE as the exporting country.
The seizure not only highlights the misuse of trade routes but also exposes an attempt to exploit India’s relatively smoother trade facilitation with the UAE under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). By falsely routing goods through UAE, the syndicate aimed to benefit from lower tariffs and avoid red flags typically associated with Pakistani-origin imports.
Strategic Crackdown on Smuggling
The DRI has initiated legal proceedings under the Customs Act and is also pursuing recovery of evaded duties. Several persons, including clearing agents and intermediaries, have come under the scanner. Authorities are also examining whether the racket has links to larger networks possibly connected with funding activities across borders.
This seizure comes at a time of heightened security preparedness, especially in the wake of recent intelligence alerts concerning possible infiltration attempts along sensitive border regions, including Pahalgam. The coincidence of smuggling operations with other threats has prompted increased surveillance and coordination between customs, security agencies, and maritime intelligence units.
The DRI has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and more such consignments are being tracked for verification. Additional seizures and arrests are likely as the operation expands its scope.
The ₹9 crore seizure is a stark reminder of the scale of economic subversion attempted through illegal trade and the importance of robust enforcement to protect national security and fiscal integrity.
