New Delhi, Oct 19 – Ahead of Diwali, India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) made a huge smuggling bust at Tuticorin Port, seizing over 83,000 illegal firecrackers worth about Rs 5 million (₹5.01 crore). The shipment, bricked up in two 40‑foot containers, had been disguised as engineering goods.
The DRI launched Operation “Fire Trail” on October 14‑18. While inspecting the containers, officers found the firecrackers plus a cover cargo of silicon sealant guns. The importer was caught at Tuticorin, and three other people—two from Mumbai—were arrested. All four suspects have now been remanded to judicial custody.
India bans firecracker imports unless the importer holds licences from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Violating these rules not only breaks trade law but also endangers public safety and port infrastructure because of the hazardous nature of the goods.
The DRI said it will keep cracking down on smuggling that threatens national security and public safety, especially during festive periods when demand spikes.
Just days before the court‑ordered sale of “green” firecrackers in Delhi and the NCR, the Supreme Court allowed the sale of certified crackers only from October 18‑21. The court required that the crackers carry QR codes verified by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and PESO, aiming to cut pollution and keep people safe.
With this bust, the Indian authorities are sending a strong message: illegal firecrackers will not be tolerated, and the government will enforce safety and trade rules during celebrations.
Source: ianslive
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