The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, has seized a large consignment of 20 metric tonnes of smuggled Chinese-origin firecrackers/fireworks, valued at Rs 6.32 crore, at Nhava Sheva Port. The fireworks were smuggled by misdeclaring the shipment as “leggings” in an attempt to evade detection.

Upon examination, DRI officers discovered that 95 per cent of the container was filled with concealed Chinese-origin firecrackers/fireworks, hidden behind a superficial layer of leggings placed at the front to disguise the true contents. Approximately 60,000 pieces of firecrackers/fireworks were recovered and seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act.