Mundra: In a significant operation, the Gandhidham Regional Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized nearly 200 containers of watermelon seeds at Mundra port, with a market value of approximately Rs 100 crore. These seeds were imported from Sudan, and around 17 importers are suspected to be involved in the smuggling operation.

Acting on intelligence, the DRI’s Gandhidham unit found that these importers were attempting to exploit provisions of DGFT’s Notification No. 05/2023, issued on 5th April 2024, which allowed the free import of watermelon seeds from 1st May 2024 to 30th June 2024. According to the notification, shipments with bills issued up to 30th June 2024 were permitted as free imports, but any imports sent after that date were categorized as “restricted.”

The investigation revealed that the importers had violated the notification by submitting fake bills of lading to Customs, showing a shipment date before 30th June 2024. However, through tracking and recovery of the original bills of lading during the search, authorities uncovered the actual shipment dates, which were after 30th June 2024.

The seized goods are valued at Rs 100 crore, and with the inclusion of duties, the total estimated value of the smuggling operation is Rs 39.65 crore. All the imported goods have been seized, and further investigations are underway to identify those involved and take appropriate legal action. DeshGujarat