Mumbai: Importer held for attempting to smuggle restricted goods

MUMBAI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has arrested Jaysing Shelke (36), proprietor of M/s Jay Overseas , for allegedly attempting to smuggle restricted and prohibited goods valued at ₹2.04 crore through Nhava Sheva port by gross misdeclaration of import documents.Based on specific intelligence, DRI officers in July intercepted a consignment imported under Bill of Lading, declared to contain general merchandise. The container was examined at CFS Ashte Logistics Pvt. Ltd. on July 5, 2025, in the presence of representatives from M/s Sadguru Logistics Pvt. Ltd., the CHA firm handling clearance.The detailed examination revealed large quantities of fireworks/firecrackers, pocket lighters, and counterfeit products including flip-flops bearing the brand name ‘Nike’, clogs marked as ‘Crocs’, and shoes’ inner soles, all undeclared or misdeclared in the import documents. A chartered engineer valued the seized goods at ₹2.04 croresInvestigators noted that the import of fireworks is restricted under the ITC (HS) Classification of the Foreign Trade Policy and requires specific DGFT and Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) licences. Likewise, the import of lighters valued below ₹20 per piece and footwear lacking BIS certification is also restricted.Statements recorded under Section 108 of the Customs Act, 1962, revealed that Shelke, acting under instructions from Dipak Gautam Thakar, facilitated the import using his firm’s Import Export Code. Shelke admitted to receiving ₹25,000 for this consignment and acknowledged destroying his mobile SIM card to avoid detection.DRI findings suggest that Dipak Thakar and Javid Memon Mohd. Hanif used M/s Jay Overseas as a front to import restricted and counterfeit goods from China. Shelke was arrested on October 5, 2025, under Sections 104 and 135 of the Customs Act, 1962, for his role in the organised smuggling operation.Officials said further investigation is underway to trace the financial trail and identify other members of the syndicate involved in the illicit imports