Business · Sri Lanka Bureau
India dismantles major smuggling ring routing Pakistani salt through Sri Lanka
Indian revenue authorities have broken up a transnational smuggling operation that illegally channelled over 7.3 million kilograms of Pakistani rock salt into India using Sri Lanka as a transshipment point. The network used forged documentation to mask the salt's true origin.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has successfully dismantled an elaborate smuggling network involved in illegally importing rock salt originating from Pakistan, routing the contraband through Sri Lanka to evade detection. The operation uncovered the illegal movement of more than 7.3 million kilograms of salt, which authorities say was concealed through the use of falsified trade documentation.
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the smuggling racket, according to India's Ministry of Finance. The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation designed to circumvent Indian import regulations and customs procedures by disguising the Pakistani origin of the salt shipments.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about transnational smuggling networks exploiting regional trade routes. By transiting contraband through Sri Lanka, the smugglers attempted to exploit gaps in enforcement and documentation verification across South Asian borders.
The dismantling of the network follows heightened scrutiny by Indian customs and revenue agencies into illicit trade flows. Officials have indicated that investigations are continuing to identify additional members of the smuggling syndicate and determine the full extent of the operation.