DRI seizes smuggled cigarettes worth Rs 23 crore in Gujarat

In one of the largest seizures in recent times, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized smuggled cigarettes worth Rs 23.29 crore at Adani Hazira Port near Surat city, officials said here today.
"Total 3.21 crore cigarette sticks of multiple brands, which include Gudang Garam, Djarum Black and Luvin Fresh were seized today. Market value of these cigarettes is Rs 23.29 crore and it is the biggest haul of foreign made cigarettes in India in recent times," a DRI statement said.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials from the Surat unit detained six containers which were brought from Dubai in two cartons and polyethylene bags, it said.

The stock of cigrattes were sent in the garb of waste paper and it was imported by two Bhuj-based parties, the statement said.
After the contraband was examined, it was revealed that containers were stuffed with cartons of Indonesian made cigarettes with low density polyethylene (LDPE) bags stacked in front, to conceal cigarette cartons, it said.
Searches conducted at godowns in Vapi and premises of importers in Bhuj, revealed that no such importing firms existed at the declared office premises, the statement said.

Representatives of importers, suspected to be the masterminds behind the racket have been detained and are being questioned by the DRI, it said.

These cigarettes were brought to be sold in Mumbai, Daman and Ahmedabad, it said, adding that the case is being investigated.
As per the DRI's statement, foreign made cigarettes are in high demand in India and the high rate of customs and excise duty on imported cigarettes make smuggling a lucrative option.
"In the recent budget, excise duty on cigarettes was hiked by 25 per cent. At present, the high import duty on imported cigarettes makes it a lucrative commodity for smuggling," it said.