Mumbai, August 5: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has confiscated 13 containers of dried dates imported at Kandla Port. This shipment was falsely declared to have originated from the UAE, while it actually came from Pakistan. This information was released by the Finance Ministry on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the ministry, based on intelligence inputs, DRI officials seized 364 metric tons of dried dates valued at approximately ₹3 crore. The investigation revealed that the dates were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai and then re-exported to India in different containers.
Importers are accused of concealing crucial facts to evade India’s ban on goods imported from Pakistan and providing false information regarding the country of origin of the dates. Consequently, the entire shipment has been seized under relevant sections of the Customs Act of 1962.
Earlier last week, DRI officials uncovered an attempt to import around 14 metric tons of Pakistani guggul resin valued at approximately ₹1.4 crore at Tuticorin Port. This consignment was misdeclared as natural resin originating from Somalia and was sent via Dubai.
Guggul resin (Commiphora resin), found in arid regions of India and Pakistan, is listed in CITES Appendix II and categorized as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. The investigation revealed that the shipment contained guggul resin from Pakistan, which was sent using forged documents. Two individuals involved in this scheme have also been arrested.
Leave a Comment