₹35-Crore Chinese Firecracker Racket Busted, DRI Arrests 12 in Chennai, Mumbai

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a Chinese-origin firecracker smuggling syndicate in a series of operations across Chennai and Mumbai , seizing contraband worth around ₹35 crore and arresting 12 people , officials said on Saturday.

As part of the crackdown, DRI officers intercepted two 40-foot containers that had arrived at Chennai Port from China. The consignments had been falsely declared as carrying "Trolley Bags" and "Sprayers" . However, a detailed examination revealed nearly 46,000 pieces of Chinese-origin firecrackers and fireworks concealed behind legitimate cargo in an apparent attempt to evade customs checks.

In a separate case developed through DRI intelligence, Chennai Customs uncovered a smuggling network involving the illegal removal of 18.7 metric tonnes of Chinese firecrackers from a Container Freight Station (CFS). Investigators found that the container carrying the contraband was taken out of the CFS without customs authorisation, the firecrackers were secretly unloaded, and the container was later returned after being substituted with different cargo. Officials said the operation was facilitated with the alleged involvement of a CFS employee , leading to the arrest of two persons , including the staff member.

The investigation also uncovered a similar modus operandi in Mumbai , where DRI has been conducting operations since May 2026 . Authorities seized more than 100 metric tonnes of Chinese-origin firecrackers in multiple raids and found that several CFS employees , including an Exports Manager , had allegedly assisted in the smuggling and cargo substitution process. Ten people were arrested in the Mumbai case.

According to the DRI, the import of firecrackers is restricted under India's Foreign Trade Policy and requires valid licences from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008. Officials said the illegal import of hazardous fireworks poses significant risks to public safety, national security, port infrastructure, and the shipping and logistics network.

With the latest seizures, authorities said the coordinated operations have exposed an organised smuggling network and reinforced efforts to curb the illegal import of hazardous goods into the country.