Mumbai, February 14, 2024
In an anti-smuggling operation, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit has seized approx. 28 lakh Peacock tail feathers which were being smuggled from India to China, by means of concealment and misdeclaration in an export cargo declared as “Door Mat made up of coir” through Nhava Sheva port. In pursuance of the said information, a detailed examination of the consignment was conducted, and approx. 28 lakh peacock tail feathers and 16000 peacock feather stems were recovered.
The peacock tail feathers valued at Rs. 2.01 Cr (approx.) were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, as their export is prohibited as per Schedule 2 of the Export Policy of ITC (HS), 2018, notified by DGFT read with Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The exporter admitted his involvement in the illicit export and has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody by Hon’ble ACMM Court. Further investigation is under progress. Such seizure shows DRI’s resolve towards its anti-smuggling mandate and taking exemplary actions against the syndicates involved in such nefarious activities. It also shows DRI’s commitment to the protection of the environment and wildlife.
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SC/PK Source: DRI
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