Operation Deep Manifest | Maharashtra | 28 Jun 2025

Why in News?

Under Operation Deep Manifest, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized cargo containers carrying Pakistani-origin goods at Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai.

About the Operation:
- The DRI launched the Operation to crack down on illegal imports of Pakistani-origin goods rerouted through third countries, primarily via Dubai, UAE.
  - Following the Pahalgam terror attacks, the Government imposed a total ban on direct or indirect imports or transit of goods originating from Pakistan.
  - Despite this, importers attempted to bypass the ban by mis-declaring the origin and falsifying shipping documents.
- Strategic Enforcement to Protect National Security:
  - Operation Deep Manifest reflects DRI’s commitment to enforcing the Government’s trade policy and securing India’s national and economic interests.
  - Through targeted intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and robust enforcement, DRI continues to safeguard India’s economic borders against misuse of trade channels.

The DRI, apex anti-smuggling agency of India, was established on 4th December 1957, and has evolved from the Central Revenue Intelligence Board formed in 1953.
The DRI, under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Ministry of Finance, investigates and enforces Customs and indirect tax laws.
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (formerly the Directorate General of Anti-Evasion/Central Excise Intelligence) and the Narcotics Control Bureau were created from the DRI before becoming specialized agencies.