DRI busts illegal import of Pakistan-origin rock salt worth Rs 30 crore, 4 arrested
New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered the illegal import of more than 7,300 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin rock salt, which was being routed through Sri Lanka and carried fabricated certificates to circumvent India’s prohibition on the import of goods originating in or exported from the neighbouring country, through Operation ‘Deep Manifest’.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to officials, the DRI detected the import of 295 containers carrying 7,311 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin Industrial or Himalayan Rock Salt, with an estimated market value of around Rs 30 crore.
The consignments were routed through Colombo Port in Sri Lanka, and falsifying their origin by using fabricated certificates of origin and invoices issued by the UAE-based entities.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI launched a coordinated, fortnight-long operation between September 26 and October 11, conducting searches at linked premises in Gandhidham, Adipur, Veraval, Panipat, Pune, Patiala, Delhi and Mumbai.
Investigation revealed that nine importers had brought in the 295 containers through Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, in violation of the prohibition.
Of the total 295 containers detected, five containers carrying 140 MT of Industrial/Himalayan Rock Salt, valued at Rs 24.41 lakh, have been seized at Kandla Port.
In addition, sales proceeds amounting to Rs 20.96 lakh held in the importers’ bank accounts have been seized.
Preliminary investigation has uncovered a transnational network involving entities owned by Pakistani, The UAE, Sri Lankan and Indian nationals. The network allegedly coordinated the shipments and supporting documentation to disguise the Pakistani origin of the goods.
Fabricated invoices issued by Dubai-based firms were used to support the transactions.
Significantly, ‘Bills of Lading’, a legally binding document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of goods being carried, relating to the Pakistan–Sri Lanka leg of the shipments and customs declarations filed with Sri Lanka Customs, expressly mentioned Pakistan as the country of origin and India as the final destination. The Certificates of Origin submitted by the importers were found to be fabricated.
Four persons have been arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962: two proprietors/partners of importing firms, a Customs Broker’s G-card holder, and the owner of a Dubai-based supplier who had also established and operated an importing firm in his father’s name.
In a similar crackdown last month, DRI seized more than 362,000 kg of Pakistan-origin dry dates packed in 13 containers imported by a Mumbai-based firm at CFS Ambad in Nashik.
These cases highlight the evolving methods used by transnational networks to circumvent India’s import prohibition on Pakistani origin goods through third-country routing, false declarations of origin, fabricated trade documents and opaque financial arrangements.
Following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, the Union government imposed a complete prohibition on the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, in the interest of national security and public policy.
–IANS
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