DRI arrests member of a syndicate that smuggled insecticides worth Rs 21 cr

In April 2023, based on specific information, the DRI intercepted consignments imported by M/s BH Industries that contained insecticides restricted as per the Insecticide Act, 1968.

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The syndicate siphons off money to China by way of non-banking channels, the source said. The DRI is trying to gather details of other members of the syndicate. (Representational Image)

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai officials have arrested a businessman based in Rajkot, Gujarat, for his alleged involvement in attempted smuggling of around 27 metric tonnes (MT) of insecticides worth Rs 21 crore. The syndicate was smuggling the consignment by misdeclaring it as chemical.

In April 2023, based on specific information, the DRI intercepted consignments imported by M/s BH Industries that contained insecticides restricted as per the Insecticide Act, 1968.

An investigation revealed the role of accused Arvind Desai as a member of a syndicate, which has smuggled more than 25 MT of insecticides by using dummy Import Export Code (IEC’s) which were arranged in knowledge of the Desai. He was arrested on Tuesday under the provisions of the Customs Act, source said.

Such smuggling of insecticides caused huge loss of revenue to the government as the duty collected would have been around Rs 6 crore if they were imported legally, the source added.

The syndicate siphons off money to China by way of non-banking channels, the source said. The DRI is trying to gather details of other members of the syndicate.

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