Mumbai Customs has foiled one of India’s biggest diesel smuggling operations, seizing over 180 tonnes of diesel hidden on a cargo barge off the Mumbai coast. The operation targeted the MV Tina 4, owned by M/s Shiny Shipping & Logistics Pvt Ltd, following specific intelligence inputs.
Customs officers discovered the fuel concealed inside the barge’s water tanks, including some tanks that were not part of the vessel’s approved design under the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Authorities said the diesel had been sourced from foreign vessels and was meant for local distribution along the coast, bypassing customs duties.
Two key suspects were arrested: the master of the barge and the son of the vessel’s owner. Investigators indicated that further arrests may follow as they probe the extent of the smuggling network.
With an estimated 180–200 tonnes of diesel, this seizure is now the largest in Indian customs’ history. The operation was conducted by the Rummaging & Intelligence wing, showing increased vigilance against maritime smuggling along India’s western coastline.
Mumbai Customs emphasized that intelligence-driven inspections, vessel monitoring, and routine checks are key to curbing such illegal operations. Authorities are also investigating the broader network involved in fuel smuggling and working to strengthen coastal security.
Officials noted that this bust comes shortly after another recent operation in which 40 tonnes of diesel were seized during a 72-hour high-seas crackdown. These cases highlight the growing sophistication of smuggling syndicates that exploit coastal routes to evade duties, causing substantial revenue loss and economic impact.
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