DRI Busts Cigarette Smuggling Racket at Mundra Port; 2 Detained

Mundra: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a suspected cigarette smuggling racket at Mundra Port after intercepting 18 suspicious containers shipped from Gulf countries. Imported cigarettes worth crores of rupees have been seized from three containers so far, with the inspection of the remaining containers underway.

The operation has also led to the detention of two individuals, one from Ahmedabad and another from Delhi, who are being questioned in connection with the suspected smuggling network.

According to preliminary investigations, importers allegedly misdeclared goods in Customs documents, including Bills of Entry, to smuggle foreign-made cigarettes into India. The cigarettes were concealed in containers carrying other declared goods.

Investigators suspect the involvement of a wider network comprising importers and Customs House Agents (CHAs). Preliminary findings also indicate a possible racket involving the smuggling of cigarettes and betel nuts.

The consignments were reportedly destined for Tughlakabad in Delhi after arriving at Mundra Port. The DRI is examining whether additional containers were used to smuggle cigarettes through a similar modus operandi and is working to identify all those involved.

The quantity and value of the seized cigarettes are expected to increase as the remaining containers are opened and examined. Further details about the suspected smuggling network are likely to emerge after the inspection is completed.

Mundra Port has previously witnessed seizures of prohibited consignments, including e-cigarettes and banned firecrackers imported from China. The latest operation has prompted the DRI to widen its investigation into suspected cigarette smuggling through the port. DeshGujarat