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Mumbai DRI Busts Rs 139 Crore Seed Smuggling Racket, Arrests Importer

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Mumbai has busted a major smuggling operation at Nhava Sheva Port, seizing 132 containers. The consignment, valued at approximately Rs 139 crore, contained watermelon seeds and green peas misdeclared as Toor Dal. The government has strict import restrictions on these commodities to protect domestic farmers. The proprietor of the importing firm has been arrested as the investigation continues.

Key Points: DRI Mumbai Seizes Smuggled Watermelon Seeds, Peas Worth Rs 139 Cr

  • 132 containers intercepted
  • Goods misdeclared as Toor Dal
  • 2,710 MT seeds from Tanzania, Sudan
  • 319 MT peas from Canada
  • Importer arrested
2 min read

DRI Mumbai seizes smuggled watermelon seeds & green peas worth Rs 139 crore; importer arrested

DRI Mumbai uncovers major smuggling racket, seizes 3,029 MT of misdeclared watermelon seeds & green peas worth Rs 139 crore at Nhava Sheva Port.

"Import of melon seeds has been restricted/prohibited post June 2024... while imports of green peas are restricted - DGFT Notification"

Mumbai, April 20

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Mumbai, has unearthed a major smuggling racket involving 'Watermelon Seeds' and 'Green Peas' at Nhava Sheva Port, a release said on Monday.

Acting on specific intelligence, officers intercepted 132 containers containing approximately 3,029 metric tonnes of goods misdeclared as 'Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas'. The seized consignments are valued at around Rs 139 crore, it added.

It said that detailed examination revealed blatant misdeclaration, with recovery of 2,710 MT of watermelon seeds originating from Tanzania and Sudan, and 319 MT of green peas from Canada, instead of declared goods i.e. 'Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas'.

It noted that the Government has imposed strict import restrictions on these commodities to safeguard domestic farmers from low-priced imports.

"Import of melon seeds has been restricted/prohibited post June 2024 (DGFT Notification No. 05/2023 dated 05.04.2024), while imports of green peas are restricted under DGFT Notification No. 37/2015-20 dated 18.12.2019, subject to a Minimum Import Price (₹200/kg CIF) and restricted import through Kolkata port only," it added.

The proprietor of the importing firm - a key person behind this organized smuggling has been arrested on April 19, it added.

DRI continues to intensify intelligence-driven operations against the smuggling of restricted/prohibited goods, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the economic interests of the nation, ensuring a level playing field for domestic producers, and enforcing compliance with import regulations, it added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a serious economic offense. The restrictions are there for a reason—to protect our local agriculture. I hope the arrested importer gets the strictest punishment. It sends a strong message.
A
Aman W
While I fully support catching smugglers, I sometimes wonder about the efficiency. 132 containers is a massive shipment. How did it get so far before being caught? The system needs to be more proactive, not just reactive. Good catch, but prevention is better.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the origins—Tanzania, Sudan, Canada. It shows how global these smuggling networks are. The DRI's work is crucial for national security, not just revenue.
K
Karthik V
Bas, arre bhai! Watermelon seeds? 😂 Who would have thought? But seriously, this is a huge amount. This illegal import crushes the market price for our own farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra who grow these. Full support to DRI.
N
Nisha Z
The notification details show the government has clear rules—minimum import price, specific ports. Smugglers are knowingly breaking them for profit. The arrest is the right step. Hope the investigation goes deeper into the entire network.

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