What happened: DRI seizure of Pakistan-origin dry dates at Kandla Port
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted an intelligence-led operation and intercepted 13 containers at Kandla Port. The intercepted cargo consisted of 364 MT of dry dates valued at approximately Rs. 3 crore.
DRI investigations found that the importers declared the country of origin as UAE, but the actual origin of the dry dates was Pakistan. DRI reported that importers allegedly suppressed material facts to evade India’s prohibition on imports originating from Pakistan.
As a result, DRI seized the entire consignment under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Background and earlier position: circumvention attempt through third-country routing and misdeclaration
DRI’s enquiries established a two-step routing pattern aimed at masking origin. According to DRI, the goods were first transported from Pakistan to Dubai and then shifted to another set of containers before being exported to India.
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