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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which is the anti-smuggling division of the Finance Ministry, has confiscated 39 containers containing 1,115 metric tonnes of goods valued at approximately Rs 9 crore, originating from Pakistan, that were being sent to India through the UAE in light of the Pahalgam terror attacks, as stated by the government on Thursday.
This action followed the government’s decision to halt direct trade with Pakistan, which was signified by the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari on April 24, after the Pahalgam terror incident. Subsequently, on May 2, the government prohibited both direct and indirect imports or transit of goods that originate from or are exported by Pakistan.
“DRI initiated an operation named Operation Deep Manifest, aimed at addressing the illegal importation of goods of Pakistani origin that are routed through third countries, mainly through Dubai, UAE. To date, this operation has resulted in the seizure of 39 containers with 1,115 metric tonnes of goods valued at around Rs 9 crore. An individual associated with an importing company was apprehended on June 26,” the Ministry of Finance reported. The Ministry of Commerce had previously highlighted concerns regarding the entry of Pakistani dates and dry fruits into India via the UAE following the signing of a free trade agreement between the two nations in 2022.
In spite of these rigorous measures, certain importers have attempted to circumvent the regulations by “misdeclaring the origin of goods” and altering relevant shipping documents, according to the statement.
“In two distinct instances, these shipments were intercepted at Nhava Sheva Port. The shipments were incorrectly labeled as being of UAE origin, concealing their true Pakistani source. However, investigations disclosed that these goods genuinely came from Pakistan and were simply transshipped through Dubai for entry into India,” the Ministry stated. The government indicated that the investigations conducted thus far have revealed cargo movement patterns from Karachi Port, Pakistan, with transshipments occurring at Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, before reaching Indian ports. Additionally, financial transactions and funding details have also been uncovered.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
