Why in the News?

• Under Operation Deep Manifest, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized cargo containers carrying Pakistani-origin goods at Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai.

Key Points:

About the Operation:

⇒ The DRI launched the Operation to crack down on illegal imports of Pakistani-origin goods rerouted through third countries, primarily via Dubai, UAE.

⇒ Following the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Government imposed a total ban on direct or indirect imports or transit of goods originating from Pakistan.

⇒ Despite this, importers attempted to bypass the ban by mis-declaring the origin and falsifying shipping documents.

Strategic Enforcement to Protect National Security:

⇒ Operation Deep Manifest reflects DRI’s commitment to enforcing the Government’s trade policy and securing India’s national and economic interests.

⇒ Through targeted intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and robust enforcement, DRI continues to safeguard India’s economic borders against misuse of trade channels.

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI):

• The DRI, apex anti-smuggling agency of India, was established on 4th December 1957, and has evolved from the Central Revenue Intelligence Board formed in 1953.
• The DRI, under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Ministry of Finance, investigates and enforces Customs and indirect tax laws.
• The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (formerly the Directorate General of Anti-Evasion/Central Excise Intelligence) and the Narcotics Control Bureau were created from the DRI before becoming specialized agencies.