Archive · 22 Jul 2026
DRI Seizes ₹20 Crore Foreign Cigarettes at Nhava Sheva Port
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai recently seized a large shipment of foreign cigarettes worth ₹20 crore at Nhava Sheva Port.
The cigarettes were hidden inside a container that was supposed to contain plastic storage boxes.
This was a clever trick by smugglers to avoid customs checks.
The DRI is now investigating to find out who was behind this illegal import.
Smuggling these cigarettes is bad because they don't follow health and safety rules, which can harm people, especially young and vulnerable groups.
The DRI is working hard to stop such illegal activities to protect the country's revenue and public health.
DRI seized 85 lakh foreign-origin cigarette sticks worth ₹20 crore at Nhava Sheva Port.
The container was misdeclared as plastic storage boxes to evade customs scrutiny.
The cigarettes were imported from Dubai and violated the Customs Act and tobacco packaging rules.
DRI is investigating the smuggling network and identifying the intended recipients in India.
Smuggled cigarettes pose a threat to public health due to lack of health warnings and safety regulations.
- Who
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
- What
- Seizure of ₹20 crore worth of foreign-origin cigarettes
- When
- July 21, 2026
- Where
- Nhava Sheva Port, Mumbai
- Why
- To prevent revenue loss and protect public health from unregulated tobacco products
Government and Law Enforcement
Smuggling Syndicates
Enforcement and Regulation
Government and Law Enforcement
The DRI is committed to enforcing customs laws and protecting public health by seizing illicit goods and investigating smuggling networks.
Smuggling Syndicates
Smuggling syndicates use misdeclaration and concealment to evade customs scrutiny and import high-tariff goods illegally.
- Date
- July 21, 2026
- Location
- Nhava Sheva Port, Mumbai
- Seized Goods
- 85 lakh foreign-origin cigarette sticks
- Estimated Value
- ₹20 crore
- Declared Cargo
- Plastic Storage Boxes
- Origin
- Dubai
- Laws Violated
- Customs Act, Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules