**Summary:**
Following the Pahalgam terror attacks and the subsequent ban on direct or indirect import of goods originating from Pakistan, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched "Operation Deep Manifest" to combat illegal imports routed through third countries, primarily the UAE. As of June 26, 2025, the operation has resulted in the seizure of 39 containers holding 1,115 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin goods, valued at approximately ₹9 crore. These goods were falsely declared as originating from the UAE and were seized at Nhava Sheva port. Investigations revealed a complex scheme involving transshipment via Dubai, cargo movement from Karachi port, and financial links to Pakistani entities. One individual associated with an importing firm has been arrested. The operation underscores DRI's commitment to enforcing the government's import policy, safeguarding national and economic security, and preventing the misuse of trade channels. Operation Deep Manifest is an example of intensified vigilance through augmented intelligence gathering and data analytics, which was initiated in the context of Operation Sindoor and the prevailing heightened security environment. The government banned import of Pakistan-origin goods, effective May 2, 2025. This action aims to prevent the circumvention of import restrictions and protect India's economic interests in the face of regional and global security threats. This information was released by PIB Delhi on June 26, 2025, at 6:19 PM (Release ID: 2139911).
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence: The agency (DRI) that launched Operation Deep Manifest to target illegal imports.
Operation Deep Manifest: The codename of the operation launched by DRI targeting illegal import of Pakistan-origin goods.
Pakistan: The country of origin of the illegally imported goods.
Dubai, UAE: A transshipment point used to route Pakistan-origin goods.
Pahalgam: Location of terror attacks that prompted the ban on imports from Pakistan.
Nhava Sheva port: The port where consignments of illegally imported goods were seized.
Karachi port, Pakistan: Port of origin for goods being illegally imported into India.
Jabel Ali port, Dubai: Transshipment port in Dubai used in the illegal import route.
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes 39 containers carrying 1,115 metric tonne
worth of goods around 9 crore of Pakistan-origin
under ‘Operation Deep Manifest’; one arrested
Post Pahalgam terror attacks, Government of India
banned import of Pakistani-origin goods routed
through third countries, primarily via Dubai, UAE
Import of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third
countries is in blatant violation of import policy
conditions and prohibitions on direct or indirect
import or transit of such goods
Posted On: 26 JUN 2025 6:19PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant enforcement action, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched an operation
codenamed “Operation Deep Manifest”, targeting the illegal import of Pakistani-origin goods routed through
third countries, primarily via Dubai, UAE. The operation has thus far led to the seizure of 39 containers
carrying 1,115 metric tonne of goods valued at approximately ₹9 crore, in blatant violation of import
policy conditions and prohibitions imposed by the Government on direct or indirect import or transit of
Pakistani-origin goods. One of the partners of an importing firm has been arrested on 26.06.2025.
Following the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Government had imposed a comprehensive ban, effective May 2,
2025, on the direct or indirect import or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan. Previously,
such goods were subject to 200% customs duty. Despite these stringent measures, some importers attempt to
bypass the Government policy by misdeclaring the origin of goods and by manipulating the related shipping
documents.
In two separate cases, these consignments were seized at Nhava Sheva port. The consignments of dry dates
were falsely declared as UAE-origin, masking their Pakistani origin. However, investigations revealed that
these goods actually originated from Pakistan and were merely transshipped via Dubai for import into India.
Investigations revealed that the goods were initially transported from Pakistan to Dubai on one set of
containers and vessels, and subsequently transferred to another set of containers and vessels bound for India.
Further examination of goods and analysis of documents gathered during investigations conducted so far
uncovered cargo movement trails from Karachi port, Pakistan, and transshipments at Jabel Ali port, Dubai –
en route to Indian ports. Furthermore, money transfers/financial linkages with Pakistani entities were traced,
raising serious concerns about illicit financial flows. The entire modus operandi was orchestrated through a
complex web of transactions involving Pakistani and UAE nationals, aimed at obscuring the true origin of the
goods, namely Pakistan.
In the context of “Operation Sindoor” and the prevailing heightened security environment, DRI intensified itsvigil, through augmented intelligence gathering and data analytics, for targeting of consignments emanating
from Pakistan. This proactive surveillance resulted in high-value seizures.
In the light of prevailing regional and global security threats, “Operation Deep Manifest” exemplifies DRI’s
steadfast commitment to upholding Government’s policy, customs and other relevant laws; safeguarding
national and economic security of country; and preventing the misuse of trade channels for import of
Pakistani-origin goods. Through strategic intelligence, targeted enforcement, and inter-agency coordination,
DRI continues to play a pivotal role in securing India's economic frontiers.
****
NB/KMN
(Release ID: 2139911)