DRI seizes antiques, historical artifacts valued at over Rs 26.8 crores in Gujarat

In one of its kind actions, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in an effort to protect global cultural heritage, has seized vintage articles, antiques and historical artifacts from Mundra port in Gujarat. The action is said to be in continuation to DRI’s resolve to protect global cultural heritage. The seizure was made from an import consignment, which has an estimated value at over Rs 26.8 crores in the international market. 

Container was imported from Dubai, says DRI official

An official of the DRI said that the entire action was based on the specific intelligence input received by the team. The official said, “Acting upon a specific intelligence, the DRI officials identified an import container being imported from Jebel Ali port in UAE’s Dubai and stopped it for examination. The container was declared before the Customs as ‘Unaccompanied Baggage for Personal Effects’.” 

During the examination, the container was found to be containing old statues, vintage utensils, paintings, antique furniture, and other valuable heritage goods. Surprisingly, some of the articles kept in the container date back to the 19th century. 

Further, it came to fore that several of these articles were made of precious stones, gold, silver or were having gold or silver coating, which have huge demand in the illicit market.  

As per an official, the majority of the objects seized were found to be from European countries, especially the UK and the Netherlands. The consignment was highly undervalued to evade Customs Duty. 

An investigation in the matter has been initiated to ascertain further facts related to the seizure.