Operation Deep Manifest: DRI seizes 362 MT of dry dates originating in Pakistan in Nashik routed via UAE

Law enforcement agencies have seized more than 362 metric tons of dry dates originating in Pakistan, foiling attempts to circumvent India’s ban on imports from the neighboring country, the finance ministry said on Monday (September 14th).

Acting on specific information, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers seized 13 containers of dry dates imported by a Mumbai-based firm at Container Freight Station (CFS) Ambad, Nashik, the department said in a press statement.

The shipments arrived from Jebel Ali, UAE, with import documents declaring the UAE as the country of origin.

Pakistan origin goods

A preliminary investigation revealed a transshipment arrangement aimed at concealing the Pakistani origin of the goods. The dry dates were originally transported from the port of Karachi in Pakistan to the port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates in one set of containers on board one vessel, the statement said.

At Jebel Ali port, the goods were merely transhipped and moved into another set of containers and loaded onto another vessel for onward transport to India through entities operated by Pakistani nationals.

Pahalgam terror attack

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has imposed a complete ban on direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan with effect from 2 May 2025.

The operation exemplifies our unwavering commitment to enforce trade laws and maintain national security.

In response, the DRI, under ‘Operation Deep Manifest’, consistently identifies, intercepts and seizes goods originating in Pakistan attempting to enter India through third country routing.