Major Bust by DRI Uncovers Illegal Import of 7.3 Million Kilograms of Rock Salt from Pakistan
The DRI has arrested four individuals involved in a major operation against the illegal import of rock salt from Pakistan.
New Delhi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a significant international network involved in the illegal import of rock salt from Pakistan. Under “Operation Deep Manifest,” the agency seized over 7.3 million kilograms of rock salt, leading to the arrest of four individuals.
The DRI identified the import of 295 containers containing Industrial and Himalayan rock salt, totaling 7,311 metric tons, with an estimated market value of around ₹30 crore. Investigations revealed that this operation was orchestrated to evade import restrictions.
The accused reportedly transported these consignments from the Colombo port in Sri Lanka, using fake “Certificate of Origin” and invoices issued by companies in the UAE to mislead authorities about the salt’s origin. To conceal the Pakistani origin, shipments were rerouted through a third country.
Following intelligence reports, the DRI conducted a coordinated operation from September 26 to October 11, 2026. During this period, searches were carried out in several locations, including Gandhidham, Adipur, Veraval, Panipat, Pune, Patiala, Delhi, and Mumbai.
The investigation revealed that nine importers had brought in 295 containers through Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, despite the existing ban. Five containers, containing 140 metric tons of rock salt valued at ₹24.41 lakh, were seized at Kandla port. Additionally, ₹20.96 lakh from the importers’ bank accounts, generated from sales, was also confiscated.
Preliminary investigations have identified a large international network involving companies from Pakistan, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and India. This network coordinated shipments and documentation to hide the Pakistani origin of the goods, using fake invoices from Dubai-based companies for transactions. Notably, the “Bill of Lading” and customs declarations submitted to Sri Lankan customs clearly indicated Pakistan as the country of origin and India as the final destination, while the “Certificate of Origin” submitted in India was found to be counterfeit.
Under the Customs Act of 1962, four individuals have been arrested. This includes two owners/partners of the importing companies, a customs broker who holds a G-card, and a supplier from Dubai who created an import company in his father’s name.
