In a recent bust by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Pune, a whopping 26.32 metric tonnes of illegally imported areca nuts, also known as supari, valued at ₹1.47 crore were seized. The smuggled goods were cleverly disguised as “dry dates” and were being transported from Dubai to Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Nashik via Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Nhava Sheva.
Thanks to specific intelligence, DRI officials were able to track the movement of the container and swoop in just in time to intercept the illegal consignment near Nashik. Along with the areca nuts, 27 metric tonnes of actual dry dates were also recovered from the warehouse where the goods were being offloaded.
During the operation, a total of six individuals involved in the smuggling ring were apprehended, including key players, the transporter, and the receiver. In addition to the seized goods, authorities also found ₹14 lakh in cash in possession of the suspects.
All six accused have been arrested and the seized items, along with the cash, have been taken into custody in accordance with the Customs Act, 1962. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the larger network behind this smuggling operation.
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