The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a smuggling network using forged documents to import 7,311 tonnes of Pakistani rock salt into India. This operation, titled ‘Operation Deep Manifest,’ underscores the heightened regulatory risks for import-export firms. Authorities have seized goods worth Rs 30 crore, signalling tighter customs scrutiny at major ports.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a major illicit trade network under ‘Operation Deep Manifest,’ exposing an attempt to bypass India’s total import ban on goods originating from Pakistan. The investigation uncovered that 7,311 metric tonnes of industrial and Himalayan rock salt had been smuggled into the country, with an estimated value of Rs 30 crore.
Investigators found that the network utilized a deceptive routing strategy to circumvent national security protocols. Shipments were diverted through the Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka and routed through the United Arab Emirates. To hide the point of origin, the importers allegedly utilized fabricated certificates of origin and invoices, falsely attributing the cargo to other nations. These shipments had been entering India through Kandla and Mundra ports since March 2026.
As part of the enforcement action, the DRI has arrested four individuals, including proprietors of the importing firms and a licensed customs broker. Authorities have also seized 140 metric tonnes of the contraband at Kandla Port and frozen Rs 20.96 lakh in bank assets linked to the importers. The investigation is ongoing, as officials track a complex network of entities across multiple cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Gandhidham.
For the Indian import-export sector, this event serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of the trade ban imposed following the security crisis in May 2025. While no publicly traded companies have been named in connection with this specific case, the incident highlights a broader trend of increased regulatory surveillance at major ports.
Logistics and trading companies operating in these zones may face increased compliance requirements and stricter documentation audits. Customs authorities are likely to intensify checks on origin certificates and routing history, particularly for commodities historically imported from the region. This heightened scrutiny can lead to longer clearance times at ports and may impact the operating efficiency of importers reliant on quick cargo movement. The next important update for market observers will be the outcome of the ongoing investigation and any subsequent changes to customs compliance procedures at major western ports.