364 metric tonnes of banned Pakistan-origin dates seized at Kandla, routed via UAE to bypass ban

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 364 metric tonnes of dry dates worth around Rs 3 crore at Kandla Port in Gujarat on Wednesday, after finding that the consignment was falsely declared as UAE-origin goods to bypass India's ban on imports from Pakistan. DRI officers intercepted 13 containers carrying the dry dates following specific intelligence inputs, the Ministry of Finance said.

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The seizure is the second such case in a week. It points to a pattern of importers using third countries and forged origin documents to bring Pakistan-origin goods into India despite the trade ban.

The Seizure At Kandla

DRI officers intercepted the 13 containers at Kandla Port after receiving specific intelligence inputs, according to the Ministry of Finance. The consignment was declared as dry dates originating from the UAE. Investigations found the goods were "in fact of Pakistan origin," the ministry said. The entire consignment was seized under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

How Banned Pakistan Dates Were Routed

According to the probe, the dry dates were first sent from Pakistan to Dubai. There, they were moved into a different set of containers before being shipped to India. Officials said the importers concealed the true origin of the goods and falsely declared them as UAE products to evade India's prohibition on Pakistan-origin imports.

A Similar Case At Tuticorin Port

The Kandla seizure comes days after DRI officials intercepted around 14 metric tonnes of Guggul resin, valued at approximately Rs 1.4 crore, at Tuticorin Port. That consignment was declared as natural resin from Somalia and routed through Dubai. Investigations found the shipment actually contained Guggul resin of Pakistani origin. Officials also found that forged documents had been used to facilitate the transshipment. Two individuals allegedly involved in the conspiracy were arrested.

What's Guggul Resin

Guggul resin comes from the Commiphora species, which is native to arid regions of India and Pakistan. The plant is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.