The Smuggling in India Report 2023-24, released by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), highlights several alarming trends in smuggling activities across various sectors.

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• Recently , the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI ) celebrated its 67th Foundation Day in New Delhi.

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Key Findings of Smuggling in India Report 2023-24

• Cocaine Smuggling: A significant increase in cocaine smuggling was observed, particularly through air passenger routes.
  • The DRI seized 107.31 kg of cocaine in 2023-24, a substantial rise from the previous year.
• Cannabis and Other Drugs: Smuggling of cannabis, heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs continues to be a major concern.
  • Seizures of these substances were made across various routes, including land, sea, and air.
• Increased Gold Smuggling: Gold smuggling remains a persistent issue, with India being a major destination for illicit gold imports.
  • The DRI seized 1,319 kg of gold in 2023-24, highlighting the scale of this problem.
• Illegal Wildlife Trade: India is a major transit point for illegal wildlife trade, particularly for endangered species like pangolins, tigers, and rhinos.
• • The DRI seized elephant tusks and other wildlife products, indicating the ongoing threat to India’s biodiversity.
• Counterfeit Goods: The smuggling of counterfeit goods, including luxury items and electronics, continues to be a significant problem.
• Trade Fraud: Misuse of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and other trade regulations to evade customs duties and import low-quality goods.
• Diverse Smuggling Methods: Smugglers employ various methods, such as concealing gold in luggage, body cavities, or electronic devices.
• Collaborative approach: In the immediate neighbourhood DRI shared 17 actionable intelligences through its network leading to many seizures in these Countries.

About Smuggling

• Smuggling is the illegal transportation of goods, especially across national borders.
•  Primarily driven by economic benefits, tax evasion, and avoidance of import/export restrictions.

Types of Smuggling

• Narcotics Smuggling: Illegal trade of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and cannabis.
• Arms Smuggling: Illegal trade of weapons and ammunition.
• Human Smuggling: Illegal transportation of people across borders.
• Wildlife Smuggling: Illegal trade of endangered species and their products.
• Cultural Artifacts Smuggling: Illegal trade of historical and cultural artifacts.
• Counterfeit Goods Smuggling: Illegal trade of fake products.
• Gold Smuggling: Illegal importation of gold to avoid import duties.

Major Narcotics Hubs

• Golden Crescent: Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.
• Golden Triangle: Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.
• South America: Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia.
• Mexico and Central America: A significant transit route for drugs to the US.

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Global Initiatives to Combat Smuggling

• United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: An international treaty to combat drug trafficking.
• World Customs Organization (WCO): Promotes cooperation among customs administrations to combat smuggling.
• INTERPOL: Facilitates international police cooperation to address transnational crime, including smuggling.
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) requires States to take and enforce effective border controls and law enforcement efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials, equipment and technology.
  • India’s national legislation contained in the Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005, Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and Customs Act, 1962 are in consonance with the mandate of Resolution 1540.

Indian Initiatives

• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): A specialized agency of the Indian government to combat smuggling and economic offenses.
• Border Security Force (BSF): Guards India’s land borders to prevent smuggling.
• Coast Guard: Protects India’s maritime borders and prevents smuggling by sea.
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Investigates major smuggling cases and organized crime.

Challenges in Combating Smuggling

• Sophisticated Smuggling Techniques: Smugglers use advanced methods to evade detection.
• Cross-Border Cooperation: Effective international cooperation is essential to combat transnational smuggling.
• Corruption: Corruption among officials can facilitate smuggling activities.
• Limited Resources: Inadequate resources and training can hinder law enforcement efforts.
• Economic Incentives: High profits from smuggling can motivate individuals to engage in illegal activities.

Way Forward 

• Strengthen Surveillance and Technology: Deploy advanced surveillance tools like drones, AI, and big data analytics at land, air, and sea borders. Enhance the use of X-ray scanners and non-intrusive inspection systems for cargo and passengers.
• Enhance Cross-Border Cooperation: Strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms with neighboring and global agencies to target transnational smuggling networks. Collaborate with organizations like INTERPOL and the WCO for coordinated anti-smuggling operations.
• Capacity Building for Enforcement Agencies: Provide specialized training to DRI, BSF, and Coast Guard personnel to tackle sophisticated smuggling techniques. Invest in infrastructure and manpower for efficient monitoring and enforcement.
• Strict Regulation and Policy Measures: Rationalize import duties on high-demand goods like gold to reduce economic incentives for smuggling. Implement stricter checks on misuse of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and counterfeit goods trade.
• Public Awareness and Community Engagement: Educate border communities on the consequences of smuggling to reduce local participation. Launch campaigns to create awareness about wildlife protection and discourage illegal trade.

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About the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

• The DRI was established in 1957 and functions as the apex intelligence and investigation agency for anti-smuggling operations in India.
• Administrative Structure: It operates under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which is part of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• Functions:
  • The DRI is responsible for detecting and curbing smuggling activities, including drug trafficking, illegal international trade in wildlife, and environmentally sensitive items.
  • It also combats commercial frauds related to international trade and ensures the prevention of customs duty evasion.
• Enforcement Powers: The agency enforces the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, as well as over fifty other allied laws. These include significant statutes such as:
  • Arms Act.
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
  • The Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA).
  • Wildlife Protection Act.
  • Antiquities and Art Treasures Act.

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