MUMBAI, 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 through Mundra and Kandla ports since March 2026, in violation of the import prohibition. Of the total consignment detected, five containers carrying 140 MT of rock salt, valued at Rs.24.41 lakh, were seized at Kandla Port. The agency also seized Rs.20.96 lakh in sale proceeds held in the importers' bank accounts. Preliminary investigations have uncovered a transnational network involving entities owned by Pakistani, UAE, Sri Lankan and Indian nationals. The network allegedly coordinated the shipments and supporting documentation to disguise the Pakistani origin of the goods. Fabricated invoices issued by Dubai-based firms were used to support the transactions....