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Key Points

The DRI seized 1,115 tonnes of Pakistani goods worth Rs 9 crore illegally routed through Dubai. Importers misdeclared origin to bypass India’s trade ban with Pakistan. Investigations revealed a complex smuggling network involving transshipments and illicit financial flows. The crackdown follows heightened security measures after recent terror attacks.

Key Points: DRI Seizes 1,115 Tonnes of Pakistani Goods Smuggled via Dubai

  • DRI seizes 39 containers at Nhava Sheva port
  • Goods falsely declared as UAE-origin
  • Operation Deep Manifest targets Pakistan-linked smuggling
  • Money transfers traced to Pakistani entities
2 min read

DRI seizes 1,115 tonnes of Pakistani goods smuggled into India

Indian authorities intercept Rs 9 crore worth of Pakistani-origin goods illegally imported via UAE, uncovering a complex smuggling network.

"The entire modus operandi was orchestrated through a complex web of transactions involving Pakistani and UAE nationals. – DRI Official Statement"

New Delhi, June 26

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonnes of Pakistani-origin goods, valued at nearly Rs 9 crore, that were being illegally imported into India by sea via Dubai, officials said on Thursday.

In two separate cases, these consignments were seized at Nhava Sheva port.

The consignments were falsely declared as UAE-origin, masking their Pakistani origin.

However, investigations revealed that these goods actually originated from Pakistan and were merely transshipped via Dubai for import into India.

The DRI launched an operation codenamed "Operation Deep Manifest", targeting the illegal import of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries, primarily via Dubai in UAE.

One of the partners of an importing firm was arrested on Thursday, according to an official statement.

Following the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Indian government had imposed a comprehensive ban, effective from May 2, 2025, on the direct or indirect import or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.

However, despite the stringent ban on Pakistan imports into India, some importers attempt to bypass the government policy by misdeclaring the origin of goods and by manipulating the related shipping documents.

Investigations revealed that the goods were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai on one set of containers and vessels, and subsequently transferred to another set of containers and vessels bound for India.

Further examination of the goods and analysis of documents gathered during investigations conducted so far uncovered cargo movement trails from Karachi port in Pakistan, and transshipments at Jabel Ali port in Dubai -- en route to Indian ports.

Money transfers with Pakistani entities were also traced, raising serious concerns about illicit financial flows.

The entire modus operandi was orchestrated through a complex web of transactions involving Pakistani and UAE nationals, aimed at obscuring the true origin of the goods, namely Pakistan.

In the context of "Operation Sindoor" and the prevailing heightened security environment, the DRI intensified its vigil, through augmented intelligence gathering and data analytics, for targeting of consignments emanating from Pakistan.

This proactive surveillance has resulted in high-value seizures, according to the official statement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Good job by DRI! 🇮🇳 This shows how Pakistan keeps trying to bypass our laws through backdoor channels. The ban on Pakistani goods is necessary for our national security. Hope they investigate the money trail thoroughly - could be terror funding links.
P
Priya M.
While I support strict border controls, I wonder if this affects small traders who might be unaware of the complex supply chains. The government should create more awareness about such bans. Also, Rs 9 crore is a huge amount - what exactly were these goods?
A
Amit S.
Operation Deep Manifest sounds like a Bollywood movie title! 😄 But seriously, this shows the need for better tracking systems at ports. If goods can be rerouted via Dubai so easily, we need stronger verification processes. Make in India should be our focus anyway.
N
Neha T.
The money transfer angle is most concerning. RBI and ED should investigate these financial trails immediately. We've seen how hawala networks operate - this could be bigger than just trade violations. Strict punishment needed for those involved.
S
Sanjay V.
While the seizure is good, I hope our agencies are equally vigilant about Chinese goods being routed through other countries. We need consistent enforcement across all borders, not just Pakistan-focused operations. National security can't be selective.
K
Kavita R.
This is why we need stronger trade relationships with Bangladesh and Nepal instead. When our neighbors see benefits in legitimate trade with India, they won't help Pakistan bypass our laws. Regional cooperation is the long-term solution.

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