India, Oct. 15 -- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has unearthed a large-scale operation to circumvent India's ban on the import of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, detecting 295 containers carrying 7,311 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin industrial or Himalayan rock salt, worth an estimated Rs.30 crore.

The consignment was routed through Colombo port, Sri Lanka, using fabricated certificates of origin and invoices issued by UAE-based entities.

The DRI conducted a coordinated, fortnight-long operation between September 26 and October 11, searching premises in Gandhidham, Adipur, Veraval, Panipat, Pune, Patiala, Delhi and Mumbai.

Investigation revealed that nine importers had brought in the 295 containers thro...