DRI seizes 28 lakhs Peacock tail feathers worth Rs.2.01 Crore at Nhava Sheva Port

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 28 lakhs of Peacock tail feathers worth Rs.2.01 Crore at Nhava Sheva Port.

In an anti-smuggling operation, the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit seized approximately 28 lakh peacock tail feathers that were being smuggled from India to China via concealment and misdeclaration in an export cargo declared as “Door Mat made up of coir” through Nhava Sheva port.

In accordance with the information provided, a thorough assessment of the cargo was done, and approximately 28 lakh peacock tail feathers and 16000 peacock feather stems were found.

The peacock tail feathers, valued at Rs. 2.01 Cr (approx.), were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act of 1962, since their export is forbidden under Schedule 2 of the Export Policy of ITC (HS), 2018, as announced by DGFT, in conjunction with the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.

The exporter confirmed his involvement in the illegal export and was arrested and remanded in judicial custody by the Hon’ble ACMM Court. Further inquiry is underway. 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 demonstrates DRI’s dedication to the protection of the environment and wildlife.