The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized salt smuggled from Pakistan worth ₹30 million
The investigation revealed that nine importers brought 295 containers through Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026. Photo: X/@FinMinIndia
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) said on Wednesday (Oct 14, 2026) that it has detected and stopped yet another attempt by smugglers to bring goods from Pakistan, something which is prohibited, into India and arrested four persons in connection with the matter. In a report, the DRI said it detected the import of 295 containers carrying 7,311 metric tonnes of industrial or Himalayan rock salt originating in Pakistan, which it said had an estimated market value of around ₹30 crore.
Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, the Government of India banned the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan in the interest of national security and public order.
It explained that the shipments were routed through the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka and had false certificates of origin and invoices issued by entities based in the UAE.
“Acting on specific intelligence, DRI launched a coordinated fortnight-long operation between September 26 and October 11, 2026, conducting searches at linked premises in Gandhidham, Adipur, Veraval, Panipat, Pune, Patiala, Delhi and Mumbai,” the DRI said.
The investigation revealed that nine importers brought 295 containers through Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, violating the ban on imports of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.
Out of 295 containers detected, five containers carrying 140 MT of salt valued at ₹24.41 lakh were seized at Kandla port. Further, the sale proceeds of this salt amounting to ₹ 20.96 lakhs were also seized from the bank accounts of the importers.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed a transnational network involving entities owned by nationals of Pakistan, UAE, Sri Lanka and India,” the DRI said. “The network allegedly coordinated shipments and supporting documentation to conceal the Pakistani origin of the goods.”
“Significantly, the bills of lading relating to the Pakistan-Sri Lanka portion of the consignments and customs declarations submitted to Sri Lankan customs authorities specifically indicated Pakistan as the country of origin and India as the final destination,” he added. “It was found that the certificates of origin submitted by the importers were fabricated.”
Two owners or partners of the importing firms, a customs broker G-card holder and a Dubai-based supplier owner who also set up and operated an importing firm in his father’s name were all arrested.
Published – 14 Oct 2026 23:41 IST