The DRI reports a rise in cocaine and gold smuggling in India, particularly through northeastern borders, indicating sophisticated smuggling techniques employed by traffickers. The report, presented by Union Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, highlights the challenges posed by these activities, alongside the misuse of Free Trade Agreements, necessitating increased vigilance from law enforcement agencies.
According to the Directorate of Revenue and Intelligence (DRI), India is experiencing a significant rise in the smuggling of cocaine and gold, particularly through its northeastern borders. The annual report, presented by Union Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, indicates that traffickers are increasingly employing sophisticated methods to circumvent law enforcement. The report highlights not only the rise in drug and gold trafficking but also incidents of commercial fraud, particularly in the misuse of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Mr. Malhotra emphasized the necessity for skill enhancement among DRI officials, particularly in tackling complex financial crimes prevalent in the digital age. He urged officers to concentrate on identifying the masterminds behind these illicit operations and expressed concerns about the potential adverse effects on the broader economy when pursuing revenue collection. The DRI has noted an increase in cocaine smuggling cases, with 47 reported in the current financial year, compared to 21 the previous year. Additionally, illicit gold imports have surged, with the agency seizing 1,319 kg of gold in 2023-24, a marked increase from the 600 kg seized last year.
The agency reported that the misuse of FTAs has led to substantial financial losses, with cases worth ₹1,427 crore in the current year, up from ₹481 crore the previous year. DRI officials indicated that they remain vigilant against traders misusing these agreements to evade customs duties or harm domestic industries by dumping inferior goods from non-FTA countries.
The DRI is tasked with preventing and investigating smuggling activities in India. The latest findings released in their annual report illustrate the increasing prevalence of illicit activities, particularly regarding drug and gold trafficking. The northeastern border of India is noted as a critical area for these activities, further complicated by the interplay of complex trade regulations. Understanding the implications of FTAs and their misuse exposes the broader challenges facing India in both revenue generation and economic protection.
In summary, the DRI report underscores a troubling rise in cocaine and gold smuggling into India, along with increasing instances of commercial fraud tied to FTAs. The emphasis placed by Union Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra on addressing these issues reflects a commitment to bolster enforcement strategies while safeguarding the economy. The DRI’s findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement protocols to tackle these rising trends effectively.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
