Under Operation Deep Manifest, investigators uncovered a suspected smuggling network using Dubai transshipment, false UAE-origin declarations and fabricated documents to bypass India’s import restrictions.
Highlights
- DRI seized around 25,000 kg of Pakistan-origin watermelon seeds worth ₹2.02 crore.
- Seeds were allegedly shipped from Karachi to India through Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port.
- Two people were arrested on October 22 in connection with the case.
- Investigation identified a total of 46,920 kg of suspected Pakistani-origin watermelon and muskmelon seeds.
DRI Seizes 25,000 Kg Pakistani Watermelon Seeds Routed Through Dubai, Arrests Two
New Delhi, October 24, 2026: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered another suspected attempt to bypass India’s ban on Pakistani-origin goods, seizing around 25,000 kg of watermelon seeds worth approximately ₹2.02 crore that were allegedly routed through Dubai using false import declarations.
The operation, conducted between September 11 and October 22 under Operation Deep Manifest, led to the arrest of two individuals on October 22, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Seeds Shipped from Karachi Through Dubai
Acting on intelligence, DRI officials examined a consignment imported through Nhava Sheva Port that had been declared as UAE-origin muskmelon seeds.
However, the examination revealed that the shipment contained watermelon seeds, with documentary evidence indicating their Pakistani origin.
Investigators found that the consignment was initially shipped from Karachi Port in Pakistan to Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
The goods were allegedly transferred into different containers and loaded onto another vessel before being transported to India.
According to DRI, the arrangement was designed to conceal the shipment’s actual origin and circumvent India’s import restrictions.
Two Arrested in Smuggling Investigation
The seized consignment was valued at approximately ₹2.02 crore and was confiscated under the Customs Act, 1962, on October 14.
Further investigation revealed an earlier shipment of around 22,000 kg of muskmelon seeds imported in February 2026 from the same Dubai-based supplier.
Authorities suspect that the earlier shipment also involved transshipment and misdeclaration of origin.
Two relatives of the Importer Exporter Code holder were arrested. One allegedly operated the Dubai-based supplier company, while the other handled import formalities and domestic sales in India.
India Maintains Ban on Pakistani Goods
India prohibited direct and indirect imports or transit of Pakistani-origin goods through a notification issued on May 2, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Separately, watermelon seeds have been subject to import restrictions since July 2024.
DRI has also reported other major seizures involving Pakistani-origin products routed through third countries.
In September 2026, officials seized over 362 metric tonnes of dry dates allegedly routed through Dubai.
Another investigation in October detected 295 containers carrying 7,311 metric tonnes of Pakistani-origin industrial and Himalayan rock salt routed through Sri Lanka.
The agency said it would continue investigating customs fraud and attempts to circumvent India’s import restri
