DRI Pune Seizes Smuggled Areca Nuts Worth Rs 1.47 Crore, Six Arrested
Pune/Nashik, 7th February 2025: In a major crackdown on smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Pune, has seized 26.32 metric tonnes of illegally imported areca nuts (supari) valued at ₹1.47 crore. The smuggled consignment, disguised as “dry dates” and transported from Dubai, was intercepted while being illegally diverted en route from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Nhava Sheva, to Inland Container Depot (ICD), Janori, Nashik.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials closely monitored the movement of the container and conducted a discreet operation. The interception took place near Nashik when the areca nuts were being offloaded at a warehouse. Along with the seized areca nuts, 27 metric tonnes of dry dates—used as cover cargo—were also recovered.
A syndicate of six individuals, including key conspirators, the transporter, and the receiver, was apprehended during the operation. Authorities also recovered ₹14 lakh in cash from the suspects.
The seized goods, along with the recovered cash, were taken into custody under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and all six accused were arrested. Officials have stated that further investigation is underway to uncover the larger network behind the smuggling operation.
