DRI Mumbai seizes Rs 10 cr worth of foreign cigarettes disguised as carpets at Nhava Sheva Port

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In a major anti-smuggling operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit intercepted and seized a container load of foreign-origin cigarettes at Nhava Sheva Port. The consignment, initially declared as 'Chinese Viscose Woven Carpet,' led to suspicion based on specific intelligence.

Acting on the tip-off, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI Mumbai) officers examined two import containers arriving from Jebel Ali port, United Arab Emirates. The first container revealed a surprising find - it was fully loaded with Esse Change cigarettes, manufactured in Korea. The second container, supposedly carrying 325 rolls of old and used carpets, turned out to be a clever cover used by smugglers.

A detailed inspection exposed 67.20 lakh sticks of foreign-brand cigarettes, concealed amidst the old carpets. The total value of the seized cigarettes is estimated to be Rs. 10.08 crores.

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The seized cigarettes, along with the used carpets, have been confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to unravel the intricate details of this smuggling operation. "This significant seizure reflects the DRI's determination to uphold its anti-smuggling mandate and to act decisively against syndicates engaged in such nefarious activities," an official said.

On December 31, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) confiscated a stash of smuggled cigarettes valued at Rs 2.4 crore at Mumbai's air cargo complex and apprehended one person. Acting on intelligence about potential cigarette smuggling through air cargo, authorities intercepted an import shipment from Dubai labelled as bedsheets and dress material.

Upon inspection, officers discovered cigarette cartons cleverly hidden within layers of fabric boxes. The smuggled stash comprised 15,86,960 cigarette sticks of popular brands, carrying an estimated market value of around Rs 2.4 crore.

Following investigations, one individual linked to the smuggling operation has been arrested. The authorities are conducting a further investigation in the case. (Additional reporting by PTI)