DRI Seizes 13 Containers of Banned Pakistani Dry Dates Worth ₹3 Crore at Kandla Port

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intercepted 13 cargo containers carrying 364 metric tonnes (MT) of banned Pakistan-origin dry dates valued at approximately ₹3 crore at Kandla Port in Gujarat.

The consignment was falsely declared as originating from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an attempt to circumvent India's complete prohibition on imports originating in or exported from Pakistan. An intelligence-led investigation revealed that the dry dates were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai, where they were shifted into a fresh set of containers to conceal their true origin before being shipped onward to India.

By suppressing shipping facts and misdeclaring the country of origin, the involved importers sought to evade trade restrictions. The entire consignment has been seized under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. This operation reflects heightened vigil by the DRI against illicit transshipments designed to bypass national trade prohibitions.