DRI busts Chinese firecracker smuggling syndicate at Chennai Port, seizes goods worth Rs 35 crore
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence foiled two attempts to smuggle Chinese-origin firecrackers through Chennai Port, seizing goods worth Rs 35 crore, the Finance Ministry said on 27 June 2026.
Summary
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) foiled two attempts to smuggle Chinese-origin fireworks and firecrackers into India through Chennai Port, seizing goods worth Rs 35 crore, the Ministry of Finance said on 27 June 2026. In one case, two 40-foot containers mis-declared as 'trolley bags' and 'sprayers' held about 46,000 pieces of firecrackers; in another, Chennai Customs found that 18.7 MT of firecrackers had been removed from a Container Freight Station without authorisation, and two people, including a CFS staff member, were arrested. Import of firecrackers is 'Restricted' under the ITC (HS) classification and needs licences from both the DGFT and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
Key facts
- Seizure
- Chinese-origin firecrackers worth Rs 35 crore
- Port
- Chennai Port
- Case 1
- Two 40-ft containers, ~46,000 pieces, mis-declared as trolley bags and sprayers
- Case 2
- 18.7 MT removed from a CFS; two arrested
- Rule
- Import 'Restricted'; DGFT and PESO licences under Explosives Rules, 2008
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Import of firecrackers into India is 'Restricted' and requires licences from the DGFT and which other body under the Explosives Rules, 2008?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
Firecracker imports need valid licences from both the DGFT and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
Through which port did the DRI foil attempts to smuggle Chinese-origin firecrackers worth Rs 35 crore, as reported on 27 June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Chennai Port
DRI foiled two attempts to smuggle Chinese-origin fireworks and firecrackers into India through Chennai Port.