Archive · 6 Oct 2026
DRI Seizes Chinese-Origin Fireworks Worth Over Rs 12 Crore
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, or DRI, searched containers at Chennai Port.
Officers found fireworks made in China hidden behind boxes of other goods.
The containers had been declared as carrying things such as stationery and medical gloves.
The fireworks were valued at about Rs 12 crore, with the reports describing the value as over Rs 12 crore.
DRI said the fireworks were imported without the required licences.
Importing fireworks requires approvals from two Indian government organisations.
The DRI seized the goods under the Customs Act.
Its release said the searches were part of efforts to stop the smuggling of restricted goods.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized Chinese-origin fireworks at Chennai Port.
The fireworks were valued at approximately Rs 12 crore; reports described the value as over Rs 12 crore.
DRI officers found the fireworks hidden behind cartons of declared cover cargo during coordinated container searches.
The containers were allegedly misdeclared as carrying items including stationery, medical gloves, plastic clips and shoe racks.
The seizure was made under the Customs Act, 1962, because the imports lacked required authorisations.
- Who
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, including its Hyderabad Zonal Unit.
- What
- Chinese-origin fireworks valued at approximately Rs 12 crore were seized.
- When
- The DRI announced the seizure on Tuesday, October 6; the searches were reported to have taken place the previous week.
- Where
- Chennai Port, India.
- Why
- The fireworks were reportedly imported without required authorisations and concealed and misdeclared as other goods.
- Seizing agency
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
- Location
- Chennai Port
- Origin of fireworks
- China
- Reported value
- Approximately Rs 12 crore; described in the reports as over Rs 12 crore
- Misdeclared cover cargo
- Items included stationery, medical gloves, plastic clips, hair bands, storage wardrobes and shoe racks
- Required authorisations
- Authorisations from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation
- Legal basis for seizure
- Customs Act, 1962
