Hyderabad, Oct. 6 -- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zonal Unit, seized Chinese-origin firecrackers valued at approximately Rs 12 crore after uncovering their alleged illegal import through Chennai Port by misdeclaring the consignments as stationery items, medical gloves, plastic clips, hair bands, storage wardrobes, shoe racks and other goods.

Acting on the intelligence, officers of the DRI examined suspected containers in separate coordinated operations. Searches and examinations resulted in the recovery of large quantities of Chinese-origin pyrotechnic fireworks concealed behind cartons containing the declared cover cargo.

Import of firecrackers and fireworks is restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy and r...