The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai apprehended an importer involved in smuggling watermelon seeds and green peas valued at Rs 139 crore from Tanzania, Sudan, and Canada. The illegal shipment, disguised as ‘Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas,’ was seized at Nhava Sheva Port. The proprietor of the importing firm, a key figure in this organized smuggling, was taken into custody.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted 132 containers containing around 3,029 metric tonnes of goods falsely labeled as ‘Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas.’ Upon detailed examination, it was found that the containers actually held 2,710 metric tonnes of watermelon seeds from Tanzania and Sudan, along with 319 metric tonnes of green peas from Canada. These items were smuggled in violation of strict import restrictions imposed by the government to protect domestic farmers from cheap imports.
The DRI is intensifying intelligence-driven operations against the smuggling of restricted goods, emphasizing its dedication to safeguarding the country’s economic interests and ensuring fair competition for local producers. In a previous operation named “Operation Fire Trail,” the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit thwarted an attempt to smuggle illegal Chinese firecrackers into India, seizing contraband worth approximately Rs 4.4 crore at Nhava Sheva Port.
