With Diwali around the corner, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its crackdown on illegal imports of Chinese firecrackers. Officials have allegedly arrested a Mumbai-based importer for smuggling firecrackers worth `2.04 crore, disguised as decorative items.
The accused has been identified as Jaysing Shelke, 36, a resident of Ghatkopar and proprietor of M/s Jay Overseas, a firm registered in 2022. According to officials, Shelke allegedly used his company’s import-export code (EIC) to bring in the banned firecrackers under the label of “mini decorative plants” via Nhava Sheva Port in Navi Mumbai.
The DRI had launched focused surveillance operations at Nhava Sheva, Kandla Special Economic Zone, and Mundra Port in July, after receiving specific intelligence on the large-scale illegal import of fireworks from China ahead of the festive season. Shelke’s consignment was intercepted as part of this ongoing operation.
“Firecrackers imported from China are prohibited under Indian law and do not meet Bureau of Indian Standards norms. They pose serious safety and environmental risks. We suspect a larger syndicate is behind this racket,” a DRI official told mid-day.
After the seizure, Shelke allegedly destroyed his SIM card and shut down his company premises, which also served as the official address linked to his GST registration, officials said.
According to DRI sources, Shelke had allegedly been importing goods regularly using the same IEC since December 2023, and had reportedly shared his IEC credentials with others for import consignments — a key point now under investigation.
An official said, “The consignment mostly originated from a supplier in China to whom Shelke used to send confirmed orders after aggregating demands from local distributors in Mumbai.”
Shelke was taken into custody by the DRI on Sunday, and further investigation is underway to trace his alleged associates, financial transactions, and previous shipments. Officials suspect this may not have been his first successful illegal import.
