New Delhi | August 5, 2026
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intercepted a major clandestine transshipments network attempting to circumvent India’s complete trade ban on Pakistan-origin merchandise. Officers seized 13 shipping containers holding 364 metric tonnes (MT) of dry dates valued at approximately ₹3 crore at Kandla Port, Gujarat.
The consignment was falsely declared as originating from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Investigations established that the cargo originated in Pakistan, was shipped to Dubai to swap containers and falsify origin documentation, and was subsequently exported to India.
Seizure Summary & Modus Operandi
| Parameter | Operations Details |
| Interception Location | Kandla Port, Gujarat |
| Seized Commodity | Dry Dates (364 Metric Tonnes / 13 Containers) |
| Assessed Valuation | ~₹3.0 Crore |
| Declared Origin | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Actual Origin | Pakistan |
| Routing Strategy | Pakistan ➔ Dubai (Container Shift & Document Forgery) ➔ Kandla Port, India |
| Legal Framework | Customs Act, 1962 & Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 |
Parallel Anti-Smuggling Action: Guggul Resin Seizure at Tuticorin
The Kandla operation follows another major DRI crackdown at Tuticorin Port, where officers seized 14 MT of Pakistan-origin Guggul resin (Commiphora resin) valued at ₹1.4 crore.
-
Smuggling Tactic: Falsely declared as “Natural Resin” originating from Somalia and transshipped via Dubai using forged paperwork. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the conspiracy.
-
Environmental Status: Commiphora wightii (Guggul) is listed under CITES Appendix II and classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Regulatory & Foreign Trade Policy Framework
Under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (amended via DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated May 2, 2025), the direct or indirect import, transshipment, or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan is strictly prohibited. Both seizures were executed under statutory provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 for deliberate mis-declaration and contravention of import bans.
Key Summary
-
Investigating Agency: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) / Ministry of Finance
-
Date: August 5, 2026
-
Locations: Kandla Port (Gujarat) & Tuticorin Port (Tamil Nadu)
-
Domain Focus: Customs Enforcement, Trade Ban Implementation, Anti-Smuggling & Foreign Trade Policy Compliance
