The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a major smuggling racket at Nhava Sheva Port, seizing a massive consignment of restricted watermelon seeds and green peas valued at Rs 139 crore.
Key Points
- Directorate of Revenue Intelligence busts smuggling racket at Nhava Sheva Port.
- Seizure includes 132 containers of restricted watermelon seeds and green peas worth Rs 139 crore.
- The importing firm falsely declared goods as 'Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas'.
- Import restrictions on watermelon seeds and green peas are in place to protect Indian farmers.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has busted a smuggling racket involving watermelon seeds and green peas, whose imports have been restricted, seizing 132 containers with commodities valued at Rs 139 crore at Nhava Sheva Port in Navi Mumbai, officials said on Monday.
Key Arrest In Nhava Sheva Smuggling Case
The proprietor of the importing firm, a key person behind the organised smuggling operation, has been arrested, an official said
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI Mumbai intercepted consignments containing approximately 3,029 tonnes of goods falsely declared as 'Toor Dal/Pigeon Peas'.
A detailed examination led to the discovery of 2,710 tons of watermelon seeds originating from Tanzania and Sudan, and 319 tons of green peas from Canada, he said.
Import Restrictions Aim To Protect Indian Farmers
The government has imposed strict import restrictions on both commodities to protect domestic farmers from cheap imports. Import of melon seeds has been restricted or prohibited since June 2024, according to a statement issued by the DRI.
The import of green peas has similarly been restricted since December 2019, subject to a minimum import price of Rs 200 per kg CIF and permissible only through the Kolkata port, it added.
The proprietor of the importing firm was arrested on Sunday, an official said, adding that a further probe is underway.
