In a decisive blow to international smuggling syndicates, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a major operation on June 23, 2025, resulting in the seizure of 92.1 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes valued at approximately ₹18.2 crore. The operation, led by the Chennai Zonal Unit of DRI, is being hailed as one of the largest in recent months and marks a significant milestone in India’s ongoing crackdown against illicit tobacco trade.

Acting on specific and credible intelligence, DRI officials intercepted a suspicious container that had arrived from Dubai and was bound for J-Matadee Free Trade and Warehousing Zone (FTWZ). The cargo was declared as “Bathroom and sanitary fittings”—a tactic commonly used by smugglers to evade customs scrutiny.

Upon detailed examination, the DRI officers discovered that the consignment was grossly misdeclared. Instead of the listed sanitary items, the container was packed with a staggering 92.1 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes from premium international brands, including:

• Manchester United Kingdom
• Manchester United Kingdom Special Edition
• Mac Ice Superslims Cool Blast

What makes the seizure even more significant is the fact that these cigarettes violated several Indian regulatory norms. Most notably, they failed to adhere to the packaging and labelling requirements mandated under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The seized packs did not carry the mandatory pictorial and textual health warnings, posing serious risks to unsuspecting consumers.

Due to these legal violations, the consignment was confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Authorities have confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify the key individuals and networks behind the smuggling attempt.

This is not a one-off incident. In the last year alone, DRI has confiscated 4.4 crore sticks of foreign and fake cigarettes through multiple operations, primarily targeting Chennai’s port areas. Valued at nearly ₹79.67 crore, these seizures underscore a disturbing surge in tobacco smuggling through India’s trade corridors.

This seizure not only prevents a significant loss of revenue to the government but also serves as a public health safeguard. Illicit cigarette trade often bypasses regulations designed to inform consumers about health risks and contributes to organized crime and black-market financing.

The DRI’s action underscores the importance of robust customs surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and targeted intelligence in dismantling smuggling networks. It also sends a strong message to criminal syndicates operating in the shadow economy:India’s enforcement agencies remain vigilant and uncompromising.

The DRI continues to enhance its surveillance strategies by leveraging technology, AI-based risk profiling, and global intelligence-sharing frameworks. As smuggling attempts become more sophisticated, so too does the agency’s approach to thwart them.

With this recent bust, the DRI has not only safeguarded revenue but also reinforced its role as a frontline defender of India’s economic and public health interests.