India seizes Pakistan-bound consignment of banned chemicals from China

NEW DELHI: India has seized a large consignment of Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile (CS) -- a chemical that can be used to produce tear gas or other riot-control agents -- from a Chinese vessel bound for Pakistan at the Kattupalli Port in Tamil Nadu.

The consignment, weighing 2,560 kg and stored in 103 drums, was shipped on April 18, 2024, by the Chinese firm Chengdu Shichen Trading Co. Ltd. to a Rawalpindi-based defense supplier, Rohail Enterprises.

The vessel, Hyundai Shanghai, sailing under a Cyprus flag, was intercepted by customs authorities during routine checking on May 8, 2024.

What is Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile?

The chemical is a listed substance under the Wassenaar Arrangement, an export control regime, of which India is a signatory but China and Pakistan are not.

The consignment was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005.

This seizure comes after Indian security agencies intercepted and seized a consignment of dual-use items linked to Pakistan's nuclear and ballistic missile programs from a Karachi-bound ship from China at the Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai in March.

Officials have expressed concerns about the possibility of such chemicals being used against civilian populations on the Indian side, given the China-Pakistan defense collaboration.

The interdiction of these cargoes highlights India's increased efforts to tighten scrutiny of goods passing through its ports and shores amid growing concerns over the potential misuse of such chemicals and dual-use items.

Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these Happy New Year wishes, messages, and quotes.