Key Takeaways
- The DRI has detected and stopped an attempt by smugglers to bring into India goods from Pakistan, which is prohibited.
- The investigation has revealed a complex web of smuggling activities involving entities from multiple countries.
- The Indian government has been taking steps to strengthen its border security and prevent smuggling activities.
- The DRI’s operation has resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of smuggled salt, valued at ₹30 crore.
- The operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in preventing smuggling activities.
Introduction to Pakistan Salt Smuggling
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has been actively working to prevent smuggling activities in India, particularly those involving goods from Pakistan. In a recent operation, the DRI detected and stopped an attempt by smugglers to bring into India goods from Pakistan, which is prohibited.
The DRI has arrested four people related to the matter, and the investigation has revealed a complex web of smuggling activities involving entities from multiple countries.
Background of the Ban on Pakistan Goods
Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, the Indian government had 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 policy. This ban was imposed to prevent the influx of goods that could potentially fund terrorist activities or harm the Indian economy.
The ban has been strictly enforced by the DRI, which has been actively monitoring and intercepting shipments from Pakistan. However, smugglers have been trying to find ways to circumvent the ban, using fake certificates of origin and invoices issued by UAE-based entities.
The Smuggling Operation
The consignments of Pakistan-origin industrial or Himalayan rock salt were routed through Colombo Port in Sri Lanka, with fake certificates of origin and invoices issued by UAE-based entities. The DRI detected the import of 295 containers carrying 7,311 metric tonnes of salt, which had an estimated market value of around ₹30 crore.
The investigation revealed that nine importers had brought in the 295 containers through Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, in violation of the prohibition on the import of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.
- Of the 295 containers detected, five containers carrying 140 MT of the salt, valued at ₹24.41 lakh, were seized at Kandla Port.
- Further, the proceeds of sales of this salt, amounting to ₹20.96 lakh, has also been seized from the importers’ bank accounts.
Investigation and Seizure
Acting on specific intelligence, the 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 investigation has uncovered a transnational network involving entities owned by Pakistani, UAE, Sri Lankan, and Indian nationals. The network allegedly coordinated the shipments and supporting documentation to disguise the Pakistani origin of the goods.
Significantly, Bills of Lading relating to the Pakistan-Sri Lanka leg of the shipments and customs declarations filed with Sri Lanka Customs expressly mentioned Pakistan as the country of origin and India as the final destination. The Certificates of Origin submitted by the importers were found to be fabricated.
Implications for India
The seizure of the smuggled salt has significant implications for India, as it highlights the ongoing efforts of smugglers to circumvent the ban on Pakistan goods. The DRI’s operation has resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of smuggled salt, valued at ₹30 crore, and has uncovered a transnational network involved in the smuggling operation.
The Indian government has been taking steps to strengthen its border security and prevent smuggling activities. The DRI’s operation is a testament to the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban on Pakistan goods and preventing the influx of smuggled goods into the country.
Expert Perspective
Experts believe that the DRI’s operation is a significant step in preventing smuggling activities in India. The use of fake certificates of origin and invoices issued by UAE-based entities highlights the complexity of smuggling operations and the need for increased vigilance.
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The DRI’s operation has also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in preventing smuggling activities. The transnational network involved in the smuggling operation involved entities from multiple countries, including Pakistan, UAE, Sri Lanka, and India.
Timeline of Events
The Pahalgam terror attack occurred in April 2025, leading to the Indian government’s ban on Pakistan goods. Since then, the DRI has been actively monitoring and intercepting shipments from Pakistan.
In March 2026, the nine importers began bringing in the 295 containers of Pakistan-origin salt through Mundra and Kandla ports. The DRI launched its operation on September 26, 2026, and conducted searches at linked premises until October 11, 2026.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DRI’s operation has resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of smuggled salt from Pakistan, valued at ₹30 crore. The investigation has also uncovered a transnational network involved in the smuggling operation, highlighting the complexity and scope of smuggling activities in India.
The Indian government’s ban on Pakistan goods has been effective in preventing the influx of smuggled goods into the country. However, smugglers continue to find ways to circumvent the ban, using fake certificates of origin and invoices issued by UAE-based entities.
The DRI’s operation is a testament to the government’s commitment to enforcing the ban on Pakistan goods and preventing the influx of smuggled goods into the country. As the DRI continues to monitor and intercept shipments from Pakistan, it is likely that more smuggling operations will be uncovered, and the Indian government will continue to take steps to strengthen its border security and prevent smuggling activities.
What to Watch Next
The DRI’s operation is an important step in preventing smuggling activities in India, but it is likely that smugglers will continue to find ways to circumvent the ban. The Indian government will need to remain vigilant and continue to take steps to strengthen its border security and prevent smuggling activities.
Readers in India can expect to see increased enforcement of the ban on Pakistan goods, as well as increased cooperation between the DRI and other law enforcement agencies to prevent smuggling activities. The DRI’s operation is a significant step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning of a long-term effort to prevent smuggling activities in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ban on Pakistan goods?
The Indian government has 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 policy.
How did the smugglers try to circumvent the ban?
The smugglers used fake certificates of origin and invoices issued by UAE-based entities to disguise the Pakistani origin of the goods.
What is the significance of the DRI’s operation?
The DRI’s operation is a significant step in preventing smuggling activities in India, and it highlights the importance of international cooperation in preventing smuggling activities.
