In a major crackdown on smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized a massive consignment of foreign-origin cigarettes worth ₹13.18 crore from Nhava Sheva Port in Mumbai. The operation also led to the arrest of one individual, who has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officials intercepted a suspicious container that was falsely declared as “Coated Calcium Carbonate”—an attempt by smugglers to disguise the contents and bypass customs scrutiny. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 1,01,40,000 sticks of Top Gun brand cigarettes, packed in 1,014 boxes.

Customs Act Violations and Further Investigation

The seized consignment has been confiscated under provisions of the Customs Act, and a detailed investigation is currently underway to trace the entire smuggling network and identify other individuals involved.

Public Health and Economic Concerns

Authorities warned that the smuggling of foreign cigarettes not only causes significant loss to government revenue but also undermines domestic tobacco businesses that comply with Indian regulations. These illegally imported cigarettes typically do not carry statutory health warnings or ingredient disclosures mandated by the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), posing a serious risk to public health, especially among youth and low-income consumers.

A Growing Challenge

Smuggling of tobacco products has been a growing concern for enforcement agencies, given its links to tax evasion, organized crime, and long-term health consequences. The DRI emphasized its continued commitment to combat such illicit trade and safeguard public and economic interests.