DRI Report Highlights Surge in Smuggling of Gold and Cocaine in India
India is witnessing a notable increase in the smuggling of cocaine and gold, particularly through its northeastern borders. The DRI’s annual report revealed a jump in cocaine cases from 21 to 47 and highlighted significant gold seizures. Misuse of foreign trade agreements is also on the rise, warranting closer scrutiny of trade practices to mitigate economic impact.
India is currently experiencing a significant uptick in the smuggling of both gold and cocaine, with the northeastern borders of the country identified as critical areas of concern. This alarming trend was highlighted in the recent annual report on smuggling published by the Directorate of Revenue and Intelligence (DRI), which was presented by Union Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra. The report reveals not only the increasing sophistication of trafficking methods but also outlines a rise in commercial fraud linked to the misuse of foreign trade agreements (FTAs).
During his address on the 67th foundation day of DRI, Secretary Malhotra emphasized the necessity for officials to enhance their skills and to employ advanced tools in combating smuggling activities. He advocated for a focus on uncovering the masterminds behind these illicit operations and urged caution when dealing with intricate cases that involve complex tax rules. Malhotra stated, “We are here not only for revenue, but we are here for the whole economy of the country.” He alerted officials to the risks of potentially damaging the economy to collect revenue from smuggling operations, encouraging a cautious approach to enforcement actions.
The DRI’s findings indicate a stark increase in cocaine trafficking, with recorded cases rising from 21 in the previous year to 47 in the current period, primarily through air routes connecting South America and Africa. The agency also noted an emerging trend of hydroponic marijuana smuggling from countries such as the United States and Thailand. Moreover, the report highlighted that India has become a prime destination for illicit gold imports, particularly from West Asia, where gold and silver are offered at lower prices.
The porous eastern borders of India, especially with Bangladesh and Myanmar, continue to pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies; states like Manipur and Mizoram have become hotspots for gold trafficking. The agency reported seizing 1,319 kilograms of gold during the current year, a marked increase from 600 kilograms in the previous year. In addition to gold smuggling, the report indicated that traders are misusing FTAs through the misclassification of imports and fraudulent documentation, leading to reported misuse cases valued at ₹1,427 crore this year, compared to ₹481 crore the previous year. An official from DRI stated that the agency remains vigilant against such unscrupulous practices that undermine domestic industries and circumvent customs regulations.
The smuggling of narcotics and precious metals remains a significant issue in India, particularly as traffickers adopt innovative methods that exploit the country’s vast and complex borders. The DRI plays a crucial role in monitoring and combating these illegal activities, with insights gathered through annual reports shedding light on current trends and tactics employed by smugglers. With the economic landscape continuously evolving, the intertwining of smuggling with economic activities, including trade agreements, poses a unique challenge for regulatory bodies.
The annual DRI report brings to light the alarming increase in smuggling activities of cocaine and gold in India, particularly across the northeastern borders. The rise in sophisticated trafficking methods calls for a proactive approach from law enforcement and regulatory agencies to safeguard the economy while addressing smuggling-related issues. With the misuse of FTAs emerging as a prominent area of concern, comprehensive measures must be implemented to combat fraud and protect India’s domestic industries.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
