In a major crackdown on trade-based national security threats, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 1,115 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin goods falsely declared as UAE imports under ‘Operation Deep Manifest’, exposing a sophisticated smuggling network that violated India’s trade embargo on Pakistan.
🚢 Massive Seizure at Nhava Sheva Port
The DRI intercepted 39 containers at Nhava Sheva port, carrying goods valued at approximately ₹9 crore. Investigations revealed that the consignments were shipped from Karachi to Dubai, repackaged or relabeled, and then re-exported to India under falsified documentation claiming UAE origin.
One of the partners of the importing firm has been arrested, and further probes are underway to trace financial linkages and potential violations of anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing laws.
🛑 Operation Deep Manifest: A Strategic Response
Launched in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attacks, Operation Deep Manifest is part of a broader intelligence-led initiative, Operation Sindoor, aimed at preventing hostile state actors from exploiting Indian trade routes. The government had imposed a blanket ban on direct and indirect imports from Pakistan effective May 2, 2025, replacing the earlier 200% customs duty with a complete prohibition.
“This is not just a customs violation—it’s a national security concern,” said a senior official involved in the operation.
🔍 Modus Operandi Uncovered
- Goods were shipped from Pakistan to Dubai on one set of containers
- Re-exported to India on different containers and vessels
- Shipping documents were manipulated to mask the true origin
- Financial trails linked to Pakistani entities were uncovered, raising red flags over illicit financial flows
📌 Implications and Next Steps
The seizure underscores the DRI’s enhanced surveillance using data analytics and intelligence coordination. Authorities are now working to identify other firms involved in similar transshipment frauds and tighten port-level scrutiny.
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