The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Thoothukudi recently concluded an operation resulting in the seizure of illegally imported Chinese firecrackers valued at approximately ₹5 crore. The contraband, reportedly smuggled from Ningbo port in China under the guise of engineering tools and carts, was discovered during inspections at a Thoothukudi container freight station on October 14 and 15, 2025.
Following subsequent investigations, four individuals were arrested on October 17, 2025, in Thoothukudi in connection with the illicit import scheme. These individuals were identified as J. Michael Jacob (36), J. Soosai Manikkam (43), Vikas Dubey (53), and M. Dhasharath Kokhre (43). They were subsequently presented before a Judicial Magistrate in Thoothukudi and remanded to judicial custody at Central Prison, Palayamkottai. The seized firecrackers have been transferred to the Thoothukudi Customs Department for further processing.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/dri-seizes-5-crore-worth-chinese-firecrackers-in-thoothukudi-four-arrested/article70182152.ece