DRI Intercepts Major Contraband at Mundra Port
Officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a consignment of contraband worth approximately ₹50 crore at Mundra Port on June 24 — one of the largest single seizures at the port in recent years. The consignment had been declared as industrial chemicals in its shipping documentation.
How the Interception Happened
The DRI’s Gandhidham unit, which operates intelligence networks across the Kutch port region, received advance intelligence from the customs intelligence bureau indicating anomalies in the weight-to-volume ratio of a specific container in a batch of 12 from a Middle East origin. The physical examination of the flagged container — conducted by DRI officers alongside a customs examination team — revealed a double-layer concealment method: the outer layer of the container held legitimate industrial chemicals, while the inner section contained the contraband material packed in tamper-resistant industrial drums.
The Seized Material
The seized material, as characterised in the DRI’s post-seizure report, consists of synthetic narcotics of a high purity grade. Detailed analysis by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory will determine the specific composition, but preliminary field tests confirmed the presence of controlled substances. The estimated market value of ₹50 crore is based on DRI’s standard valuation methodology for seized contraband.
Investigation Status
The shipping agent, the importer of record, and two individuals identified as part of the receiving network in Ahmedabad have been detained for questioning under the Customs Act. The DRI has filed a complaint and the matter has been referred to the Ahmedabad Special Court for Customs and DRI matters. Investigation into the supply chain origin and domestic distribution network is ongoing.