DRI Uncovers Illegal Import of 7,311 Tonnes of Pakistan-Origin Rock Salt via Kandla, Mundra Ports

Kandla: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has unearthed a large-scale scheme to circumvent India’s ban on the import of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan under an operation code-named “Operation Deep Manifest”.

The DRI detected 295 containers carrying 7,311 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin industrial and Himalayan rock salt, with an estimated market value of around ₹30 crore. The consignments were routed through Colombo Port in Sri Lanka, with their Pakistani origin allegedly concealed using fabricated certificates of origin and invoices issued by UAE-based entities.

Acting on specific intelligence, the DRI conducted a coordinated, fortnight-long operation from September 26 to October 11, 2026, carrying out searches at premises linked to the case in Gandhidham, Adipur, Veraval, Panipat, Pune, Patiala, Delhi and Mumbai.

The investigation revealed that nine importers had brought in the 295 containers through Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, in violation of the import prohibition. Of the total consignments detected, five containers carrying 140 metric tonnes of industrial and Himalayan rock salt, valued at ₹24.41 lakh, were seized at Kandla Port. The DRI also seized sales proceeds worth ₹20.96 lakh held in the importers’ bank accounts.

The preliminary investigation uncovered a transnational network involving entities owned by Pakistani, UAE, Sri Lankan and Indian nationals. The network allegedly coordinated the shipments and supporting documentation to conceal the Pakistani origin of the goods. Fabricated invoices issued by Dubai-based firms were used to support the transactions.

Significantly, bills of lading for the Pakistan–Sri Lanka leg of the shipments and customs declarations filed with Sri Lanka Customs explicitly identified Pakistan as the country of origin and India as the final destination. The certificates of origin submitted by the importers were found to be fabricated.

Four people have been arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Those arrested include two proprietors or partners of importing firms, a Customs Broker’s G-card holder and the owner of a Dubai-based supplier who had also established and operated an importing firm in his father’s name.

In a similar crackdown last month, the DRI seized more than 362,000 kg of Pakistan-origin dry dates packed in 13 containers and imported by a Mumbai-based firm at CFS Ambad in Nashik.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, the Government of India imposed a complete ban on the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, citing national security and public policy concerns. DeshGujarat