In a major enforcement success ahead of the Deepawali season, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a large consignment of illegally imported Chinese firecrackers during Operation Fire Trail at Tuticorin Port. The operation resulted in the seizure of 83,520 pieces of firecrackers worth ₹5.01 crore and the arrest of four individuals involved in the smuggling network.
Operation Fire Trail: Seizure Details
During a series of operations conducted between 14th and 18th October 2025, DRI officers identified two forty-foot containers that had been mis-declared as engineering goods. Upon examination, the containers were found to conceal a massive cache of Chinese-origin firecrackers along with silicon sealant guns used as cover cargo.
The contraband, valued at over ₹5 crore, was seized under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The importer was apprehended in Tuticorin, while three associates—including two persons based in Mumbai—were arrested during follow-up actions in Chennai and Tuticorin. All four have been remanded to judicial custody for their role in orchestrating and facilitating the illegal import.
Legal and Safety Implications
The import of firecrackers is restricted under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy, and such imports require prior authorization from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) in accordance with the Explosives Rules, 2008.
By falsely declaring the shipment as industrial goods, the accused deliberately violated these provisions. Officials highlighted that such consignments pose grave safety risks to public infrastructure, particularly within port environments, due to the combustible and explosive nature of the cargo.
DRI’s Ongoing Vigilance and Enforcement Efforts
Operation Fire Trail is part of DRI’s broader strategy to curb the illegal import of hazardous and restricted goods through coordinated intelligence-led interventions. The agency continues to strengthen oversight on high-risk consignments and ensure strict enforcement of trade and safety regulations.
A DRI spokesperson reaffirmed the organization’s steadfast objective: to safeguard national infrastructure, maintain public safety, and uphold the integrity of lawful trade practices.
Conclusion
The successful operation at Tuticorin Port underscores the DRI’s effectiveness in intercepting high-risk illegal imports and disrupting smuggling networks operating across multiple states. As India approaches the festive season, the agency’s vigilance ensures that public safety and regulatory compliance remain uncompromised, reinforcing trust in the nation’s trade and customs enforcement mechanisms.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
