DRI Uncovers Major Rs 30 Crore Illegal Pakistan Salt Import Scheme
DRI dismantles a massive scheme involving Rs 30 crore worth of illegal Pakistan-origin salt imported via Sri Lanka and UAE.
In a massive crackdown on transnational smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a sophisticated illegal import operation involving Pakistan-origin salt worth an estimated Rs 30 crore. The investigation, titled "Operation Deep Manifest," has exposed a complex web of deception used to bypass India's strict trade prohibitions.
The Deception: Masking the Origin
The investigation revealed that a transnational network involving entities from Pakistan, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and India worked in tandem to smuggle 7,311 metric tonnes of industrial and Himalayan rock salt into the country. To hide the true source of the goods, the smugglers utilized a multi-layered strategy:
- Transshipment via Sri Lanka: The 295 containers were routed through the Colombo Port in Sri Lanka.
- Fabricated Documentation: While the original paperwork filed with Sri Lanka Customs correctly identified Pakistan as the origin, the importers presented falsified certificates of origin and invoices to Indian authorities.
- UAE-based Entities: Invoices were issued by entities in the UAE to mask the goods' actual origin and facilitate the illegal entry.
This operation directly violates India's strict prohibition on importing goods from Pakistan, a security measure that was implemented in April 2025.
The Scale of the Breach
The DRI's investigation uncovered that nine different importers had been using Mundra and Kandla ports to bring in the contraband since March 2026. The sheer volume of the salt—over 7,000 metric tonnes—highlights the massive scale of the illicit trade network.
Key Seizures and Arrests
During the operation, authorities conducted coordinated searches across several major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Panipat, Patiala, Gandhidham, Adipur, and Veraval. The results of the raid included:
- Arrests: Four individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the scheme.
- Seizures: Five containers were seized at Kandla Port, containing 140 metric tonnes of salt valued at Rs 24.41 lakh.
- Financial Recoveries: Authorities seized Rs 20.96 lakh in sales proceeds from the importers' bank accounts.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the investigation is still active. Authorities are currently working to map the full extent of the supply chain network to identify all parties involved in bypassing national security protocols through this fraudulent salt import scheme.