Source: PTI
Context: In a major anti-smuggling action, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized ₹35 crore worth of banned Chinese firecrackers during “Operation Fire Trail” across Indian ports.
About Operation Fire Trail:
- What is it?
- Operation Fire Trail is a special intelligence-led enforcement operation launched by the DRI to crack down on illicit imports of Chinese firecrackers, posing environmental, legal, and safety risks.
- Launched by: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), India’s premier anti-smuggling agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
- Objective:
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- Detect and intercept illegal consignments of restricted explosives, especially Chinese fireworks.
- Prevent misuse of SEZs (Special Economic Zones) for unauthorized diversion into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
- Ensure compliance with India’s Foreign Trade Policy and Explosive Rules, 2008.
- Key Features:
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- Coordinated Multi-Port Seizure: Seized 100 metric tonnes of Chinese fireworks disguised as goods like “Mini Decorative Plants” and “Artificial Flowers”.
- SEZ Misuse Detected: Smugglers used a KASEZ unit and fake IEC holders to divert firecrackers into domestic markets without proper licensing.
- Legal Enforcement: Key suspect arrested and remanded to judicial custody, showcasing the DRI’s legal deterrence strategy.
- Safety & Environmental Risk Mitigation: Firecrackers contained banned toxic chemicals like lithium, red lead, and copper oxide—posing explosion and pollution hazards.
- Trade Regulation Compliance: Crackdown ensured enforcement of the ITC (HS) policy where import of fireworks is a ‘Restricted’ item, requiring DGFT and PESO approvals.
- Supply Chain Security: Operation prevented potential port disasters, protecting infrastructure and logistics networks.
