DRI seizes used digital devices worth Rs 10 cr from Guj port

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) today busted the smuggling of old and used multi-functional digital devices (MFDD) at Gujarat's Pipavav Port and seized goods worth over Rs 10 crore, officials said.

Import of old and used MFDDs (items like photocopiers, printers, etc) require a licence and authorisation from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) as they fall under the category of restricted items as per DGFT notification dated February 28, 2013, a DRI release informed.

The release added that three persons were arrested, including the operations manager of Contras Logistics Container Freight Station and a Customs House agent.

It said that some officials from Customs at Pipavav were transferred and suspended and their roles were being investigated.

"Containers with more than 2000 old and used MFDD units, with an estimated market value of more than Rs 10 crore, have been detained," the DRI said in a statement.

It said that the import was in violation of the provisions of Foreign Trade Policy, Bureau of Indian Standards Act and Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.