Major Crackdown at Mumbai Port: DRI Seizes Rs 23 Crore Worth of Illegal E-Waste Imports
Mumbai: In a significant enforcement action against illegal imports of hazardous e-waste, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, has seized consignments of old and used laptops, CPUs, motherboard chips, and other electronic goods valued at Rs 23 crore.
A Surat-based businessman, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the smuggling racket, has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody, the agency informed on Saturday.
Operation DigiScrap: How the Seizure Unfolded
As part of a targeted drive codenamed Operation DigiScrap, DRI officials at the Nhava Sheva port intercepted four containers based on intelligence inputs. Although the consignments were officially declared as “Aluminium Treat Scrap,” a thorough inspection revealed a massive haul including:
- 17,760 used laptops
- 11,340 mini CPUs
- 7,140 processor chips
- Various other electronic components
These electronic items were clandestinely concealed behind the metal scrap.
Modus Operandi of the Smugglers
Investigators revealed that the smuggling method was straightforward but effective. By misdeclaring shipments as “Aluminium Treat Scrap,” importers circumvented routine customs scrutiny, hiding high-value electronic goods within layers of scrap material.
Sources confirmed that the arrested mastermind not only financed the consignments but also oversaw procurement and shipment logistics to ensure smooth passage through customs.
Legal and Environmental Implications
The consignments were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, exposing a grey market exploiting loopholes in India’s enforcement and recycling ecosystem.
Importing used and refurbished electronics is strictly prohibited under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022, and the Electronics and IT Goods (Compulsory Registration) Order 2021.
Authorities warn that such illegal imports not only bypass safety and labeling norms but also pose serious environmental and public health hazards.
Ongoing Investigations and Wider Network
While the arrested Surat-based director of the importing firm remains in judicial custody, investigators believe he is part of a broader smuggling network.
Probes are ongoing to trace financing channels, overseas suppliers, and local buyers connected with the seized consignments.
Concerns Over India’s Ports and Illicit E-Waste Trade
This case highlights how India’s ports remain targets for smugglers seeking to offload e-waste, especially as restrictions increase globally.
For enforcement agencies, Operation DigiScrap is not only a high-value seizure but also a critical warning about the expanding scale of illicit electronic waste trade.
Also Watch: The operation underscores the urgent need for stronger vigilance and systemic reforms to combat the growing menace of illegal e-waste imports.
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