Customs seize 122 containers suspected of contraband from China at JNPT Port
- In Reports
- 01:59 PM, May 10, 2024
- Myind Staff
In a significant operation, the Custom Central Intelligence Unit (CIU) at Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH) has halted 122 containers suspected of carrying prohibited Chinese fireworks, electronic devices, microchips, and other illicit goods, marking one of its largest operations to date.
The containers are suspected to have been imported under false declarations. An order has been issued by the CIU stating that confidential intelligence regarding these containers has been received.
The CIU has directed all managers of Container Freight Stations (CFS) and terminals to submit container details, including bills of entries, assessment, and examination status, via email with the subject 'Monday Hold'.
According to sources, all 122 containers arrived at JNPT aboard the same ship. The sources indicate that the agency possesses information about the supply of trade goods associated with duty evasion and containing banned Chinese firecrackers.
However, only a select few officers involved in the investigation are privy to the specific information received by the CIU and the purpose of their search. The customs department has not officially disclosed any information regarding the operation.
According to reliable sources, the search and examination of these containers is a lengthy and complex process. As a result, it has been decided that the Deputy Commissioners (DC) of several Container Freight Stations (CFS) and docks will examine the containers on their premises. They will focus on the containers marked as "hold" and examine the bill of entry for any mis-declared items.
The customs received specific information about these containers during the examination of several containers that arrived at the Punjab Conware warehouse in Navi Mumbai. Officials found banned Chinese fireworks, all originating from the same Chinese supplier previously identified in a similar case. Consequently, all containers associated with the supplier were placed on hold and referred to the CIU. While some containers have been cleared, others continue to reveal Chinese firecrackers, trade goods, mis-declared / prohibited electronic items, microchips, and other items.
The import of fireworks is restricted under customs rules and requires a license from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The measure aims to prevent the influx of poor-quality foreign firecrackers containing toxic chemicals like red-lead and lithium. China has been suspected of smuggling contraband consignments of banned fireworks for distribution and sale in India.
In 2009-2010, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence collaborated with the customs department to conduct a massive operation detaining 2,500 containers. At the time, banned items such as Chinese fireworks, trade goods, and mis-declared items were found in the containers.
In a two-month-long operation, the DRI and customs inspected all 2,500 containers, leading to the seizure of banned items from more than 50 containers. Those involved were not only served show-cause notices but also faced penalties amounting to crores of rupees.
Image source: Free Press Journal
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