India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered an alleged smuggling operation involving Pakistani-origin goods transported through Sri Lanka to India using fraudulent trade documents, with four individuals arrested in connection with the racket.
According to India’s Ministry of Finance, the operation involved more than 7.3 million kilograms of Pakistani-origin rock salt valued at over USD 3.15 million (INR 30 crore).
Investigations revealed that nine importers had brought 295 containers of the goods into India through the Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, despite restrictions on imports of Pakistani-origin goods.
The shipments were allegedly routed through Colombo Port by a UAE-based company, with fabricated trade documents used to conceal their Pakistani origin.
Indian authorities conducted a special operation between September 26 and October 11, identifying the shipments and seizing five containers carrying approximately 140 metric tonnes of rock salt.
The investigation also revealed that customs declarations submitted in Sri Lanka had correctly identified Pakistan as the country of origin and India as the final destination.
However, fraudulent certificates were allegedly used during the Indian import process to misrepresent the origin of the goods and bypass import restrictions.
Authorities said the network involved businesses owned by Pakistani, UAE, Sri Lankan and Indian nationals.
Four individuals have been arrested, while further investigations are underway to identify others involved in the alleged smuggling operation. (Newswire)
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