Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seizes ₹30 crore worth of salt smuggled from Pakistan

After the terrorist incident in Pahalgam, the central government issued an order that barred the import, transit, or re‑export of any product originating in Pakistan. The decision was taken under national security and public policy considerations, and it applied to both direct shipments and indirect routes that might hide the origin of goods. Smugglers have historically used land routes through Jammu and Kashmir as well as sea lanes in the Arabian Sea to move low‑value, high‑volume items such as salt, which can be sold at a profit in border markets.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) reported that a coordinated operation in early September intercepted several containers at a customs depot in Rajasthan. Inspectors discovered bulk bags of industrial salt that had been mislabeled as a different mineral. Laboratory tests confirmed the product's Pakistani origin, and the total market value of the seized cargo was estimated at ₹30 crore. The DRI seized the goods, detained the transport vehicles, and began legal proceedings against the individuals and companies involved.

Authorities say the case highlights the challenges of enforcing the ban, especially in regions where informal trade networks are well established. The seizure is expected to send a warning to other smugglers who might consider exploiting loopholes in the system. Analysts suggest that tighter monitoring of cargo documentation and increased cooperation with neighboring customs agencies will be necessary to prevent similar violations. The incident also underscores the broader economic impact of the ban on legitimate traders who depend on cross‑border commerce for their livelihoods.