DRI Seizes Over 1,100 Tonnes Of Pakistan-Origin Goods Under 'Operation Deep Manifest'

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonne of goods valued at approximately Rs 9 crore, according to an official release issued on Thursday.

The crackdown was codenamed “Operation Deep Manifest”, targeting the illegal import of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries, primarily via the United Arab Emirates.

The seizure took place due to blatant violation of import policy conditions and prohibitions imposed by the government on direct or indirect import or transit of Pakistani-origin goods.

One of the partners of an importing firm was arrested on Thursday.

Following the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Government had imposed a comprehensive ban, effective from May 2, 2025, on the direct or indirect import or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.

Previously, such goods were subject to 200% customs duty. Despite these stringent measures, some importers attempt to bypass the Government policy by misdeclaring the origin of goods and by manipulating the related shipping documents.

In two separate cases, the consignments of Pakistan-origin goods were seized at Nhava Sheva port. The consignments were falsely declared as UAE-origin, masking their Pakistani origin. However, investigations revealed that these goods actually originated from the neighbouring country and were merely transshipped via Dubai for import into India.

Investigations revealed that the goods were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai on one set of containers and vessels, and subsequently transferred to another set of containers and vessels bound for India.

Further examination of goods and analysis of documents gathered during investigations conducted so far uncovered cargo movement trails from Karachi port, Pakistan, and transshipments at Jabel Ali port, Dubai – en route to Indian ports. Furthermore, money transfers/financial linkages with Pakistani entities were traced, raising serious concerns about illicit financial flows.

The entire modus operandi was orchestrated through a complex web of transactions involving Pakistani and UAE nationals, aimed at obscuring the true origin of the goods, namely Pakistan, the authorities said.

In the context of “Operation Sindoor” and the prevailing heightened security environment, DRI intensified its vigil, through augmented intelligence gathering and data analytics, for targeting of consignments emanating from Pakistan, the release said.