The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a major smuggling syndicate involved in the illegal import of Chinese-origin firecrackers, seizing contraband worth around ₹35 crore in a series of operations across Chennai and Mumbai. A total of 12 persons have been arrested in connection with the cases.
Two smuggling attempts foiled at Chennai Port
As part of its continued crackdown on the illicit import of hazardous goods, DRI officers intercepted two 40-foot containers that had arrived at Chennai Port from China.
The containers had been falsely declared as carrying “Trolley Bags” and “Sprayers”. However, a detailed examination revealed that they were concealing around 46,000 pieces of Chinese-origin firecrackers and fireworks, which had been cleverly hidden behind legitimate cargo.
Probe uncovers sophisticated cargo substitution racket
In a separate case based on DRI intelligence, Chennai Customs uncovered a smuggling network involving the illegal removal of 18.7 metric tonnes (MT) of Chinese-origin firecrackers from a Container Freight Station (CFS).
According to the investigation, the container carrying the contraband was taken out of the CFS without Customs authorisation. The firecrackers were subsequently offloaded and the container was returned after being substituted with other cargo in an attempt to evade detection.
The investigation also revealed the active involvement of a CFS employee in facilitating the operation. Two persons, including the CFS staff member, have been arrested in the case.
Mumbai operations expose wider syndicate
The DRI said it has been conducting a series of anti-smuggling operations in Mumbai since May 2026, leading to the cumulative seizure of more than 100 MT of Chinese-origin firecrackers.
In one of the Mumbai cases, investigators found that employees of a Container Freight Station had allegedly assisted in the smuggling operation and attempted cargo substitution to conceal the contraband.
Ten persons have been arrested in the Mumbai case, including four CFS employees, one of whom was serving as the Exports Manager.
Illegal imports pose serious safety risks
The DRI noted that 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.
Authorities said the illegal import of such hazardous goods poses significant risks to public safety, national security, port infrastructure, and the shipping and logistics ecosystem.
With the latest seizures, the DRI’s operations in Chennai and Mumbai have resulted in the recovery of Chinese-origin firecrackers valued at around ₹35 crore and the arrest of 12 persons, marking one of the agency’s largest crackdowns on firecracker smuggling in recent months.