Focus State: Haryana
Date: 24th September 2025|10.00 am – 01.00 pm
FICCI CASCADE organised a capacity building programme for the police officers of Haryana on the theme titled “Enforcement Against Illicit Economies: Strengthening the Role of Police in Preventing Transnational Crime”, aimed at fostering dialogue and coordinated action against the growing threat of illicit trade. The programme brought together senior law enforcement officials, industry leaders, and international delegates to discuss the multifaceted challenges posed by counterfeiting and smuggling, their impact on economic growth, public safety, and consumer trust, and the critical role of coordinated enforcement efforts.
Addressing the programme and highlighting the importance of law enforcement in society, Mr. Karan Goel, IPS, DCP/West, Haryana Police Service, affirmed the pivotal role of law enforcement in safeguarding economic and social stability. He observed that illicit activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling strike at the very foundation of India’s aspiration to become a $5-trillion economy. These clandestine operations not only undermine legitimate businesses but also drain government revenues, hinder overall economic progress, and weaken the broader societal framework. Mr. Goel emphasized that confronting this menace collectively is essential to fortifying the economy against its corrosive effects.
He further highlighted that these illegal practices deprive lawful enterprises of their rightful share, endanger public safety, and erode consumer trust. Such challenges underscore the necessity for law enforcement agencies to be well-equipped, adequately trained, and fully informed, ensuring they can protect citizens effectively from the dangers posed by illicit trade and uphold public confidence.
Echoing these concerns, Mr Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, noted that counterfeiting and smuggling have wide-ranging detrimental impacts. These activities lead to significant losses for legitimate businesses, undermine consumer confidence, deprive the nation of essential revenue, and consequently hamper economic growth and development. In addition, the public health risks associated with counterfeit products remain a serious concern, threatening the safety and well-being of citizens.
Ms SHIMIZU Hiroko, Chairperson, IIPPF, opined that counterfeiting and smuggling extend beyond national borders, jeopardizing the integrity of global trade systems. She emphasized that such illicit activities are not merely economic offences but also harm consumers, distort competition, and stifle innovation. Ms. Hiroko stressed the importance of fostering stronger international collaboration and building resilient partnerships among governments, enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders to effectively tackle this challenge.
Mr Ashish Paul, Vice President- Corporate Affairs, ITC Ltd. mentioned that counterfeit trade and smuggling significantly impede India’s economic potential. He emphasized that even a 50% reduction in illicit trade could unlock substantial economic growth, generate employment, and bolster legitimate businesses, contributing directly to India’s journey toward self-reliance. Mr. Paul highlighted the importance of raising awareness among young enforcement officials and informed consumers as a critical step toward strengthening enforcement mechanisms, supporting informed decision-making, and advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.
The Interactive Session titled “A Unified Global Front: Strategic Action Against Illicit Markets”, featured active participation by the Japan delegation, including representatives from Seiko Epson, Yonex, Kubota, Canon, Casio India, Panasonic Life Solutions India, and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. The delegation shared their perspectives on the challenges posed by illicit trade, its impact on industry and consumers, and the need for stronger international cooperation, innovative enforcement strategies, and collaborative industry-government action to dismantle these illegal networks.
FICCI CASCADE has been working closely over the years with government, industry, enforcement officials, legal fraternity, consumer organizations and the youth to create awareness about the detrimental impact of counterfeiting and smuggling. Among other activities, FICCI CASCADE has been regularly engaging with law enforcement agencies including police, customs and central armed police forces engaged in border protection in sensitizing them on the gravity of the problem.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 150 officers in Haryana, who gained valuable insights and skills to counter the adverse effects of counterfeiting and smuggling.
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