Mumbai: DRI Seizes 362.75 MT Pakistan-Origin Dry Dates Worth ₹5.66 Crore In 13 Containers

On September 15, 2026, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai apprehended an impressive 362.75 metric tonnes of dry dates originating from Pakistan, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 5.66 crore. This significant operation was carried out following the Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted the Indian government to impose a complete ban on imports from Pakistan, effective May 2, 2025.

Acting on intelligence, DRI officers intercepted 13 containers of dry dates at the CFS Ambad in Nashik, which had been imported by a Mumbai-based company. These containers had arrived from Jebel Ali, UAE, despite import documents falsely declaring the country of origin as the UAE. The DRI investigation uncovered a well-planned transshipment scheme aimed at hiding the true origin of the goods.

It was revealed that the dates were initially transported from Karachi Port, Pakistan, to Jebel Ali Port, UAE, on one vessel. Upon reaching Jebel Ali, the goods were transshipped to another set of containers and loaded onto a different vessel operated by individuals of Pakistani nationality, bound for India. This operation, part of the "Operation Deep Manifest," illustrates the DRI's persistent efforts to uncover and intercept attempts by entities to import goods from Pakistan by deceitful means.

These efforts are crucial in maintaining national security and ensuring the integrity of supply chains.