DRI seizes ‘illegal’ foreign cigarettes worth Rs 35 lakh at Bhubaneswar Airport, 8 detained

Foreign-origin cigarettes were once again seized at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday in a joint operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs Department, underlining continued surveillance to curb smuggling activities through Odisha’s only international airport.

According to official sources, enforcement agencies seized 25 packets of cigarettes and 4,000 cigar sticks, all identified as foreign-origin tobacco products. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth around ₹35 lakh and was allegedly brought into the country without valid customs documentation or clearance.

Smuggling Route Under Scrutiny

Preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment was being smuggled from Dubai and routed through Bhubaneswar, with Mumbai identified as the final destination. Officials said the route is now under close scrutiny as part of efforts to dismantle organised smuggling networks.

Eight Detained for Questioning

In connection with the seizure, eight persons have been detained by DRI and Customs officials for questioning. Investigators are examining their roles to determine the source of the consignment, the intended recipients, and the modus operandi used to transport the contraband.

Repeat Smuggling Attempts Detected

This is not the first such incident at the airport. On September 13, 2025, the DRI had seized 49,800 Dubai-origin cigarette sticks illegally smuggled into Bhubaneswar. That consignment, valued at several lakhs of rupees, had also reportedly originated from Dubai, pointing to a recurring pattern of illicit tobacco smuggling through the Bhubaneswar route.

Also Read: DRI seizes nearly 50,000 smuggled Cigarette sticks of Dubai origin in Bhubaneswar

Officials said investigations are ongoing and further action will be taken based on the findings.