DRI begins investigation into seizure of foreign cigarettes worth Rs 23 crore

Seizure was made at Hazira Port in Surat

The regional unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has initiated a detailed investigation into the seizure of 3.21 crore foreign cigarette sticks worth Rs 23.29 crores at Adani's Hazira Port in Surat.

DRI sources said that this is one of the largest seizures of foreign cigarettes in India.

Official sources said that there was specific intelligence inputs, based on which six containers were identified and detained at Adani's Hazira Port, Surat.

"These containers arrived from Dubai and were said to contain 'waste paper' in two containers and 'LDPE Re-grinding cargo' in the remaining four containers. These containers were destined for ICD Valvada/Vapi under transshipment from Hazira Port and were imported by two parties based in Bhuj (in Kutch district)," sources added.

The cigarettes were hidden behind LDPE bags in the four containers, according to official sources.

"Upon examination it was revealed that the four containers, which were actually declared to contain LDPE re-grinding cargo, were stuffed with cartons of Indonesian-made cigarettes with LDPE bags stacked in front to conceal the cartons," DRI sources said.

Sources said, "Total 3.21 crore cigarette sticks of multiple brands – GudangGaram, Djarum Black and Luvin fresh were recovered and the market value of the seized consignment is estimated at Rs 23.29 crores, making it the biggest haul of foreign made cigarettes in India in recent times."

Searches conducted at the godown in Vapi and premises of the importers in Bhuj revealed that the importing firms were non-existent at the declared office premises, sources said.

DRI has detained the representative of the importers, who are suspected to be the mastermind behind this entire modus operandi, and have started grilling them.

The cigarettes were to be distributed in Daman, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Foreign-made cigarettes are in high demand across the country and the high rate of customs and excise duty on imported cigarettes make smuggling a lucrative option.

In the recent Union Budget, excise duty on cigarette was hiked by 25 per cent. At present, the total import duty on imported cigarettes is close to 90 per cent.

The importing firms, according to investigating officers, have cleared cargo in the past too at Hazira Port and Vapi ICD and these clearances are also being examined.