DRI Mumbai Busts Major Smuggling Racket of Agricultural Commodities Worth ₹139 Crore

Mumbai, 20 April 2026

In a significant enforcement action, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai,

India, has uncovered a large-scale smuggling operation involving restricted agricultural

commodities at Nhava Sheva Port (JNPT), Maharashtra, India. Acting on specific intelligence

inputs, DRI officials intercepted 132 containers that had been falsely declared as ‘Toor Dal

(Pigeon Peas)’.‘

Upon detailed examination, the consignments were found to contain approximately 3,029

metric tonnes (MT) of goods, including 2,710 MT of watermelon seeds originating from

Tanzania and Sudan, and 319 MT of green peas imported from Canada. The total estimated

value of the seized goods is ₹139 crore.

Misdeclaration to Evade Import Regulations

Investigations revealed that the importer had deliberately falsely declared the goods to

bypass existing import restrictions. The import of melon seeds has been

restricted/prohibited since June 2024 under DGFT Notification No. 05/2023 (dated 5 April

2024). Additionally, the import of green peas is regulated under DGFT Notification No.

37/2015–20 (dated 18 December 2019), which prescribes a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of

₹200 per kg (CIF) and restricts imports exclusively through Kolkata Port.

Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

The proprietor of the importing firm, identified as a key figure behind the organised

smuggling network, was arrested on 19 April 2026. Further investigations are underway to

identify additional entities and individuals involved in the operation.

Regulatory and Industry Significance

This seizure highlights the increasing use of misdeclaration and illicit trade channels to

circumvent agricultural import restrictions. Such practices undermine regulatory

frameworks, distort domestic markets, and affect fair competition for local producers.

The DRI has reiterated its commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement, emphasising the

need to curb the illegal import of restricted and prohibited goods to protect national

economic interests.

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