Illegal fireworks worth Rs 2 crore seized

The operations have been conducted across the country, in particular Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Trichy, Vijaywada, Madurai and Ludhiana

Ahead of Diwali, the government has seized Chinese firecrackers worth Rs 2 crore from godowns and retail outlets at various places.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had received information of large-scale smuggling— through concealment and mis-declaration— of sub-par quality firecrackers made in China.

These operations were conducted across the country, in particular Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Trichy, Vijaywada, Madurai and Ludhiana, according to an official statement.

Import of firecrackers is only allowed upon issuing a licence from the commerce ministry. So far, none has been issued in this regard, as foreign fireworks are deemed hazardous to public health and safety. At the end of the last decade, the total annual revenue of the Chinese firecracker segment was estimated to be $1.7 billion, of which nearly 40 per cent was obtained from exports.