At Mundra port, DRI confiscates 200 containers valued at ₹100 crore

Authorities Bust Watermelon Seed Smuggling Network at Mundra Port

In a major operation at Mundra Port, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 200 containers of watermelon seeds worth about ₹100 crore. The cargo was shipped from Sudan, and officials believe 17 importers are involved in a smuggling network that tried to sneak these goods into India illegally.

The DRI’s Gandhidham Regional Unit acted on specific intelligence to uncover the scheme. Investigators found that the importers attempted to bypass trade rules set by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). According to Notification No. 05/2023, issued on April 5, 2024, watermelon seeds could be freely imported only between May 1 and June 30, 2024. Any shipments billed after June 30 would not be allowed.

The smuggling group tried to fool customs officials by using fake bills of lading (documents that confirm when and where cargo was shipped). These forged documents made it seem as if the seeds left Sudan before June 30, the cut-off date for free import. However, DRI officers discovered that the real shipping dates were after June 30, breaking the trade rules. During the investigation, the DRI recovered original documents, which revealed the true timeline of the shipments.

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Smuggling Operation Worth ₹39.65 Crore in Customs Loss

The operation exposed a large gap between the fake records and real ones, leading to the confiscation of the illegally imported goods. While the watermelon seeds were valued at ₹100 crore, the total loss to customs due to the smuggling attempt was estimated at ₹39.65 crore.

The DRI has seized all the containers involved in the illegal operation, and the investigation is still ongoing. Once all suspects are identified, legal action will be taken against both individuals and organizations involved in the scam.

Authorities Ensure Compliance with Trade Rules

The DRI stressed that this operation is part of a larger effort to protect trade integrity and ensure that import-export activities follow the rules. Officials warned that strict action would be taken against those caught violating trade laws. This seizure highlights how vigilant authorities are in preventing illegal imports and maintaining compliance with regulations.

As trade becomes more global, officials are working hard to stop fraud and smuggling that harm the economy. The DRI will continue such operations to ensure fair trade practices and punish those breaking the law.