Mumbai, May 26 (PTI) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 53.64 lakh cigarette sticks of foreign brands with an estimated cost of Rs 8.04 crore from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and arrested two persons, including the mastermind of the smuggling syndicate.

Acting on inputs, DRI sleuths simultaneously searched multiple premises operated by a syndicate purportedly involved in the smuggling of cigarettes and other contraband, an official of the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit said on Sunday.

Also Read | Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Death Anniversary 2024: Know Date, Significance About the Day That Marks the Punyatithi of India’s First Prime Minister.

"The action resulted in the seizure of 53.64 lakh foreign-brand cigarette sticks valued at Rs 8.04 crore," he said.

The mastermind of the syndicate and his associate were arrested under the relevant sections of the Customs Act, he said.

Also Read | Remal Cyclone: PM Narendra Modi Chairs Meeting To Review Preparedness for Cyclonic Storm To Hit Coasts of West Bengal Tonight (Watch Video).

The DRI had busted many such syndicates in the past also, the official added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)