Kutch: Under Operation “Fire Trail”, launched to counter the illicit import of firecrackers, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted another smuggling attempt involving the illegal import of Chinese-origin fireworks into India.

According to an official statement, DRI officers intercepted a 40-foot container at Mundra Port. The consignment, originating from China, had been falsely declared as carrying “water glass sets” and “flower receptacles.” A detailed examination revealed 30,000 pieces of concealed firecrackers/fireworks, hidden behind a front layer of the declared goods.

This incident comes after similar attempts to illegally import Chinese firecrackers were thwarted by the DRI in October at Mumbai and Tuticorin.

The import of firecrackers is classified as ‘Restricted’ under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid licences from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.

The importer had no valid documents to support the import and admitted that the goods were smuggled for monetary gain. Consequently, the smuggled Chinese firecrackers, along with the cover cargo valued at around ₹5 crore were seized on 15.11.2025 under the Customs Act, 1962. The mastermind-cum-financier behind the operation has been arrested.  DeshGujarat