Massive Seizure: 132 Containers of Smuggled Watermelon Seeds and Green Peas Worth Rs 139 Crore Taken by DRI
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the DRI in Mumbai has apprehended an importer for attempting to smuggle 132 containers of watermelon seeds and green peas valued at Rs 139 crore from multiple countries. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal imports affecting local agriculture.
Key Takeaways
132 containers of smuggled goods seized.
Valued at Rs 139 crore .
Goods mis-declared as ‘Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas’ .
Government restrictions on watermelon seeds and green peas imports.
DRI's ongoing commitment to enforcing import regulations.
Mumbai, April 20 (NationPress) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai has detained an importer involved in the illicit transport of watermelon seeds and green peas valued at Rs 139 crore, sourced from Tanzania, Sudan, and Canada, as confirmed by an official report on Monday.
The illicit shipment was confiscated at Nhava Sheva Port, leading to the arrest of the owner of the importing company—identified as a significant figure in this organized smuggling operation—on Sunday, according to a statement from the DRI.
Based on precise intelligence, officials intercepted 132 containers carrying around 3,029 metric tonnes of goods falsely declared as ‘Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas’. The total value of the seized cargo is approximately Rs 139 crore.
A thorough examination uncovered serious misrepresentation, revealing the recovery of 2,710 MT of watermelon seeds from Tanzania and Sudan, along with 319 MT of green peas from Canada, rather than the declared Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas.
The government has implemented stringent import restrictions on these items to protect local farmers from the impact of low-cost imports.
Post June 2024, the importation of watermelon seeds is banned (DGFT Notification No. 05/2023 dated April 5, 2024), while green peas imports are regulated under DGFT Notification No. 37/2015–20 dated December 18, 2019, necessitating a Minimum Import Price (Rs 200/kg CIF) and restricted entry through Kolkata port only.
The DRI is intensifying its intelligence-led operations against the smuggling of restricted or prohibited items, underscoring its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s economic interests, ensuring fair competition for local producers, and enforcing adherence to import laws, as stated in their announcement.
Previously, as part of “Operation Fire Trail,” the DRI, Mumbai Zonal Unit, disrupted a smuggling attempt involving illegal firecrackers of Chinese origin entering India.
This operation resulted in the confiscation of contraband estimated at Rs 4.4 crore at Nhava Sheva Port in October.
Following extensive intelligence gathering, DRI officials identified a suspicious 40-foot container purportedly carrying “glass bottles” from China.
Further scrutiny of the cargo raised concerns, indicating an attempt to mask dangerous goods within the shipment.
Upon examination by the DRI team at the port, they uncovered 29,340 pieces of Chinese firecrackers hidden behind a superficial layer of glass bottles.
This deceptive tactic aimed to evade detection, with the fireworks disguised as legitimate cargo. The total worth of the seized items amounts to roughly Rs 4.4 crore.
The import of firecrackers is classified as ‘Restricted’ under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy, requiring specific licensing from both the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the DRI's proactive measures against unlawful import activities that threaten the livelihoods of domestic farmers. This incident underscores the importance of stringent enforcement of import regulations, ensuring a balanced marketplace for local producers.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized by the DRI?
The DRI seized 132 containers of illegally imported watermelon seeds and green peas valued at Rs 139 crore.
Where were the seeds and peas sourced from?
The watermelon seeds originated from Tanzania and Sudan, while the green peas were from Canada.
What are the legal implications for the importer?
The importer faces legal action for smuggling and misrepresenting the nature of the goods.
Why are these imports restricted?
The government imposes restrictions to protect local farmers from low-priced imports that can undermine their business.
What previous operations has the DRI conducted?
The DRI previously conducted 'Operation Fire Trail,' which seized illegal Chinese-origin firecrackers worth Rs 4.4 crore.
