Author: adminficci

FICCI’s Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) conducted a specialised training workshop for police officers on “Strengthening Enforcement against Illicit Trade and Economic Offences” at the Academy for Smart Policing (ASP), New Delhi.

The workshop witnessed the participation of police officers of ACP rank and above from Delhi, along with representatives from industry. The workshop served as an important platform for knowledge sharing and dialogue on the growing challenges posed by counterfeiting, smuggling, and other illicit trade activities. These illegal practices continue to undermine legitimate businesses, disrupt fair market competition, and pose serious risks to economic stability and public safety.

While delivering the Welcome Address and Overview on the Socio-Economic Impact of Counterfeiting and Smuggling, Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, opined that the menace of counterfeiting and smuggling causes deep and far-reaching damage to both the economy and society. He described how these illegal activities inflict heavy financial losses on legitimate businesses, weaken consumer confidence, and deprive the government of critical revenues, ultimately hampering the nation’s growth and development.

He further accentuated that a considerable share of the proceeds generated through such illicit activities is often channelled into organised crime networks and even terrorist activities, posing a serious threat to national security. Stressing the need for a coordinated response, he highlighted that effective information sharing and close collaboration among enforcement agencies are crucial to successfully combat the growing challenge of illicit trade.

A key highlight of the programme was the Interactive Session on “Industry Issues and Collaborative Actions Needed with Enforcement Agencies to Counter Economic Offences.” The session convened industry experts who deliberated on the emerging challenges posed by economic offences and underscored the need for enhanced coordination and collaborative action with enforcement agencies to effectively tackle illicit trade and related crimes.

During the session, Mr. Ashish Paul, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, ITC Ltd., shared his perspective on the growing challenge of illicit trade and its wider economic implications. He underscored that counterfeit trade and smuggling continue to drain India’s economic potential and significantly undermine legitimate businesses. He further noted that reducing illicit trade even by half could unlock substantial economic opportunities, leading to greater economic growth, enhanced employment generation, and stronger support for legitimate industries, thereby reinforcing India’s journey towards self-reliance. He also accentuated the urgent need to build awareness among young enforcement officials as well as discerning consumers to effectively curb such illegal activities.

Emphasising the broader national vision, he stated that the goal of Viksit Bharat can be accelerated when illicit trade is tackled decisively, with enforcement agencies playing a pivotal role in protecting the formal economy from the damaging effects of counterfeiting and smuggling.

Mr. Bala Krishnaswami, Policy Communications Lead, Amazon, shared his perspective that tackling cybercrime, counterfeiting, and smuggling require sustained and consistent efforts. He said that Amazon adopts a year-long approach to awareness campaigns, recognizing that preventing illicit activities demands continuous engagement across multiple channels. He further highlighted that such awareness initiatives can serve as an effective deterrent by clearly informing manufacturers and sellers that involvement in illicit trade is illegal and may attract strict legal consequences.

Syed Imtiyaz Ahmed, Brand Protection Associate – Legal Department, HUL, highlighted the evolving tactics used by counterfeiters to mislead consumers. He stated that in many cases counterfeiters make minor alterations to brand names while closely replicating colour schemes, fonts, and packaging designs, making the products appear deceptively similar to genuine ones and often leading consumers to believe they are purchasing authentic goods.

The workshop concluded with a strong consensus on the need for sustained collaboration between enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to effectively combat the growing threat of illicit trade. The programme emphasized the need to strengthen enforcement capabilities, enhance intelligence sharing, and promote greater awareness among officials and consumers to effectively address the complex challenges posed by counterfeiting and smuggling.

These initiatives reaffirm FICCI CASCADE’s continued commitment to supporting law enforcement through capacity-building and knowledge-sharing, while fostering collective action to safeguard the legitimate economy and contribute towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

FICCI CASCADE organised its 5th edition of Anti- Smuggling Day on 11th February 2026 at Hotel Le-Meridien, New Delhi. The conference provided a platform to the stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the evolving nature of smuggling and its impact on economies and societies.

Addressing the 5th Edition of Anti-Smuggling Day, the Chief Guest, Mr. Mohan Kumar Singh, Member – Compliance Management, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, underscored the growing complexity and scale of illicit trade in the country. He observed that smuggling has transformed into a highly organised, technology-driven economic crime with serious implications for national security, economic stability, and public safety.

Highlighting the robust enforcement measures undertaken by Customs formations and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mr. Singh apprised that enforcement efforts have intensified significantly in recent years. In the first three quarters of the current financial year alone, authorities have seized approximately 500 kilograms of gold, nearly 150 million sticks of illicit cigarettes, over 20 metric tonnes of red sanders, around 120 kilograms of cocaine, about 50 kilograms of heroin, nearly 350 kilograms of amphetamines, and close to 3,700 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis at airports. Additionally, more than 100 cases of wildlife trafficking have been detected, along with seizures involving dual-use goods, arms, ammunition, drones, and fake Indian currency notes, he added.

Mr. Singh further highlighted that India has significantly strengthened its international enforcement architecture, with 42 Mutual Customs Cooperation Agreements (MoUs) already signed and 21 more under negotiation with major trading partners. He underscored the need to shift from isolated, event-based seizures to a more holistic, network-centric approach aimed at dismantling entire smuggling syndicates. Stressing the importance of systemic intervention, he remarked that enforcement agencies must target financial flows, logistics enablers and international linkages that sustain these illicit networks.

In his welcome address, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE, accentuated that combating smuggling cannot be the responsibility of a single institution or a country alone. He mentioned that strong partnerships among compliant nations are vital to promote legitimate trade, facilitate intelligence sharing, and ensure decisive action against illicit operators. He further informed that just as UN-designated observances such as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking have successfully mobilised global attention, the recognition of an International Anti-Smuggling Day by the United Nations would serve as a powerful platform to strengthen international cooperation and collectively address the root causes and far-reaching consequences of smuggling.

Mr. Rajput mentioned that as we observe the 5th Anti-Smuggling Day, let us remind ourselves that this fight is ultimately about choices—policy choices, enforcement choices, business choices and consumer choices. If we choose legality over convenience, integrity over dishonesty and cooperation over complacency, we can ensure that smuggling finds no space to take root. While choices matter, they must translate into action. Mr. Rajput emphasized that right action at the right time by policymakers is essential, as any delay risks allowing illicit activity to deepen, leading to consequences that can be catastrophic for the economy and the nation.

The awards to the winners of the Digital Art Competition on the theme ‘Stand Against Smuggling’ were presented by Mr. M K Singh. The competition received an overwhelming response, with over 10,000 entries submitted from diverse regions of the country, reflecting widespread public engagement on the issue.

Mr. P C Jha, IRS (Retd.), Advisor, FICCI CASCADE & Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), in his vote of thanks, remarked that Anti-Smuggling Day is “not a symbolic observance but a structural necessity.” He opined that smuggling today is sustained by organised transnational networks, misuse of legitimate trade channels and digital platforms that enable rapid movement of illicit goods and proceeds. Mr. Jha mentioned that enforcement must not remain limited to intercepting consignments, it must disrupt networks, deter repeat offenders and dismantle the financial structures that sustain illicit trade.

The inaugural session was followed by a panel discussion on “Strategic Enforcement Against Smuggling: Protecting Economy, Borders, and Security,” which brought together senior officers from leading enforcement agencies. The discussion focused on emerging trends in smuggling, evolving concealment techniques, and the growing use of technology by illicit networks.

Mr. Najib Shah, Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE, stated that smuggling has evolved into an increasingly complex and sophisticated challenge. He asserted that it endangers not only government revenue but also national security and the broader economic stability of the country. Highlighting the multifaceted nature of the threat, he underscored that no single agency could tackle it in isolation. The significant losses in revenue, employment, and security, he noted, call for robust coordination, seamless information-sharing, and concerted action among all enforcement agencies.

Brigadier Puspendar Sorayan, Commander 23 Sector, Assam Rifles, stated that while technology serves as a valuable force multiplier, human intelligence continues to remain the cornerstone of effective anti-smuggling operations. He shed light on the fact that it is actionable intelligence, combined with precise and coordinated execution, that ultimately dismantles smuggling networks. Sharing his perspective on border management, he observed that effective border control demands a unified and collaborative approach to curb the menace of smuggling. He further noted that strong cooperation from both Central and State agencies, particularly in intelligence sharing and seamless on-ground coordination has significantly strengthened enforcement efforts.

Mr. Mayank Pandey, Additional Director, Guwahati Zonal Office-II, Enforcement Directorate, underscored the significant transformation in inter-agency coordination in tackling smuggling. He mentioned that earlier, information had to pass through multiple layers of the ‘proper channel, often resulting in delays of weeks before any concrete action could be taken. In contrast, recent years have witnessed the establishment of direct and seamless cooperation among agencies, enabling real-time intelligence sharing and swifter action against smuggling networks. He further underlined that today, every enforcement agency maintains a dedicated open-source intelligence team to monitor and curb smuggling activities. 

Mr. Varun Koundinya, Additional Director, Delhi Zonal Unit, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence affirmed that credible, ground-based intelligence remains the decisive factor in building strong and sustainable cases against smuggling networks. He drew attention to the importance of direct engagement and real-time interaction among officers of different agencies, rather than relying solely on files moving through hierarchical channels.

The deliberations continued with an engaging panel discussion titled “Cross-Border Synergy: Strengthening International Partnerships to Combat Smuggling,” which brought into focus the growing need for cohesive global action against increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks. The session explored how transnational cooperation, intelligence convergence, and policy alignment are critical to addressing the evolving dynamics of illicit trade.

Dr. D P Dash, Former Pr. Director-General, DRI, Former Chairman, Enforcement Committee, World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE observed that smuggling networks often exploit institutional and geographical divides to sustain their operations. He pointed out that enforcement agencies must counter this challenge with unity and strategic cohesion. Dr. Dash articulated that mutual trust, real-time intelligence sharing, and technology-driven collaboration are indispensable in combating the new and complex landscape of smuggling.

The session was adeptly moderated by Ms. Anuiya Yadav, Executive Editor, Times Network, who steered the discussion towards practical strategies for strengthening international enforcement framework.

Mr. Anil Sinha, Former Director, CBI & Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE shared his perspective on the growing role of social media in inadvertently normalising illicit products. He cautioned that when such content is glamorised online, it shapes public perception and indirectly fuels the demand that sustains smuggling networks. He stressed that greater public awareness and responsible digital engagement are essential components in the broader fight against illicit trade.

Mr. Kristian Hölge, Regional Representative, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia, mentioned hat smuggling today is a deeply transnational crime that no single country can combat in isolation. He noted that it requires strong and sustained partnerships linking law enforcement agencies, governments, and communities across borders. He further remarked that as modern smuggling networks exploit global trade routes and advanced technologies, enforcement responses must be equally sophisticated, anchored in coordination, intelligence-led operations, and technological innovation.

Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Regional CBP Attache, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Embassy opined that multi-agency and multinational task forces are demonstrating how collaborative teamwork can outpace even the most organised and technologically adept smuggling syndicates. He emphasised that public–private partnerships are indispensable, as enforcement efforts alone are insufficient to curb the menace. By educating and actively engaging first points of contact in trade and travel ecosystems, he noted, agencies can significantly amplify their collective impact against illicit trade.

The conference witnessed an overwhelming response from more than 350 industry captains, representatives from consumer forums, enforcement agencies, government officials, legal experts, among others. The 5th Edition of Anti-Smuggling Day concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen coordinated action against illicit trade, reinforcing the need for sustained enforcement and global cooperation to safeguard the nation’s economy and security.

Focus State: Goa

Date: 2^nd February 2026

Venue- GO’s Institute Hall, GRP Camp, Altinho Panaji

FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) organized a Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers of Goa on ‘Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling’ at the GO’s Institute Hall, Goa.

The programme served as a dynamic knowledge-sharing platform, uniting more than 200 senior police officials and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the escalating challenges posed by counterfeiting, smuggling, and illicit trade. Through focused discussions and expert insights, the initiative underscored the serious economic, social, and security implications of these unlawful activities, while reinforcing the critical role of coordinated enforcement and industry collaboration to effectively combat this growing menace.

Mr Alok Kumar, Director General of Police, Goa, graced the programme as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized that structured capacity-building programmes are essential in enhancing the skills, preparedness, and operational efficiency of police personnel in addressing the complex challenges and evolving challenges posed by illicit trade.

Sharing key enforcement achievements, he informed that in one of the largest single operations of 2025, the Crime Branch seized 4.3 kg of cocaine valued at over Rs. 43 crores, resulting in multiple arrests and the dismantling of an international drug supply chain operating into the State. He further noted that sustained action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) framework led to the registration of 159 narcotics cases during the year, with seizures exceeding Rs. 78 crores, including hydroponic cannabis and other high-value contraband, and 206 arrests across Goa.

He emphasised that such operations highlight the scale and sophistication of criminal networks, which often overlap with activities such as smuggling and counterfeiting. He stated that law enforcement agencies, must remain vigilant to the deep and widespread presence of counterfeit and smuggled goods in the marketplace. These illegal activities not only cause significant economic damage but also erode social values, compromise public health, and adversely affect the overall quality of life of citizens.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, underscored the far-reaching and multifaceted impact of counterfeiting and smuggling on the nation’s economy and society. He opined that illicit trade severely undermines legitimate businesses by creating an uneven marketplace, discouraging fair competition, and weakening investor confidence.

He further highlighted that illicit trade significantly erodes consumer trust, as unsuspecting buyers are often exposed to substandard and potentially hazardous products. The consequent loss of government revenue, he noted, constrains public expenditure on critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, thereby impeding the country’s overall growth trajectory. Addressing this menace, he emphasized, requires sustained enforcement efforts, enhanced public awareness, and robust coordination between industry stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.

Mr. Ashish Paul, Vice President- Corporate Affairs, ITC Ltd., highlighted the structural challenges contributing to the growth of illicit cigarette trade in India. He pointed out that the steep taxation regime on cigarettes has created a significant tax arbitrage, which smugglers exploit by flooding the market with untaxed products. As a consequence, nearly one in every four cigarettes consumed in the country is estimated to be illicit, making the sector particularly vulnerable to organised smuggling operations.

He cautioned that illicit products are often more harmful, while misinformed consumers may perceive them as safer or more affordable alternatives. Retailers, attracted by higher profit margins, further facilitate their circulation. Emphasizing the broader implications, he stated that illicit trade extends far beyond tax evasion, it strengthens criminal syndicates, distorts fair competition, and places an additional burden on enforcement agencies. Combating this challenge, he stressed, requires robust inter-agency coordination, as such activities violate multiple legal frameworks spanning taxation, trade regulations, public health standards, and customs laws.

Underscoring the pivotal role of law enforcement in society, Mr. Santosh Desai, Superintendent of Police/ Principal, Police Training School, Valpoi, Goa, stated that illicit trade poses an evolving and multifaceted threat to the nation’s economy, internal security, and social fabric. The growing nexus between smuggling, counterfeiting, and organised criminal networks not only results in substantial revenue losses but also exposes citizens to serious risks to their health and safety.

As police officers, we are frequently at the forefront of responding to these emerging challenges. Initiatives such as this programme play a vital role in strengthening our awareness, enhancing our investigative capabilities, and equipping us with the knowledge required to address these offences with greater efficiency and resolve.

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive session, where the officers shared field-level experiences, operational challenges, and best practices in tackling cases related to counterfeiting and smuggling. The deliberations reaffirmed the urgent need for sustained capacity building, intelligence-sharing, and closer collaboration between enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders.

Smuggling continues to be a pervasive challenge that transcends national boundaries, adversely impacting economies, legitimate businesses, public health, and national security across the globe. It erodes government revenues, fuels organized crime, and undermines fair trade practices, thereby posing a serious threat to sustainable economic growth. In order to address this critical issue and reaffirm its commitment to raising awareness, FICCI CASCADE observes 11th February as Anti-Smuggling Day. The observance serves as a significant platform to bring together policymakers, enforcement agencies, industry leaders, media, and civil society to collectively assess the magnitude of the problem and explore avenues for stronger cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated action.

As a run-up to Anti-Smuggling Day and to spread awareness about the menace of smuggled goods, FICCI CASCADE organises an annual Digital Art Competition in January on the theme “Stand Against Smuggling.” The competition generates wider public awareness on the issue of smuggling, encourages individuals to reject illicit products, and promotes creative expression to inspire positive societal change. By encouraging creative expression, the competition provides a unique platform for participants to articulate powerful messages against smuggling and to promote informed and responsible consumer behaviour.

The competition has consistently received an overwhelming response from participants across the country, reflecting growing public concern and engagement on the issue. This year, over 10,000 entries were submitted from diverse regions, showcasing remarkable creativity, originality, and a deep understanding of the socio-economic impact of smuggling.

The entries were evaluated by an esteemed jury comprising members of the FICCI CASCADE Think Tank: Mr. Ramesh Abhishek, Former Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade; Mr. Ravi Capoor, Former Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and CEO, Sansad TV; and Mr. Anil Sinha, Former Director, Central Bureau of Investigation. The jury members commended the participants for their insightful interpretations of the theme and the high artistic standards reflected in the submissions.

The winners were felicitated and awarded attractive cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding artwork.

Name of winners are as follow:

First Position- Abhishek

Second Position – Anish Minj

Third Position – Muaigathinbou Ch Niumai

Consolation Prize Winner

Devan Bidhan

Bhumika Singh

The competition not only witnessed artistic excellence but also reinforced the collective resolve to stand united against smuggling and illicit trade.

The state excise department has busted a factory producing counterfeit Indian-made foreign liquor in Nagpur district, seizing alcohol stock and other materials valued at Rs 24.67 lakh, officials said, reported news agency PTI.

The excise personnel on Tuesday conducted a raid on a bungalow at Gondwana Pimpri in the Hingna area where the illegal unit was operating, an official said, reported PTI.

They seized 1,090 litres of counterfeit liquor blend, 356 bottles of a liquor banned for sale in Maharashtra, and 90 bulk litres of another fake liquor.

Equipment such as an electronic bottle sealing machine, fake labels, bottle caps, empty bottles, and a four-wheeler vehicle were also seized, the official said, reported PTI. A case has been registered against seven persons, he added.

New Delhi, Jan 9 (PTI) Four men were arrested with marijuana and cigarettes worth more than Rs 43 crore at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport here, customs officials said on Friday.

The accused passengers were intercepted after they arrived from Bangkok on January 6, they said.

In a post on X, the customs said, upon examination, 36 polythene pouches in four trolley bags containing green colour narcotics substance suspected to be ganja/marijuana, totally weighing 43.13 kg, were found. Two other bags containing 76 dandas (sticks) of gold flake cigarettes were also seized, the post said. When the material was subjected to diagnostic tests, it prima facie appeared to be ganja/marijuana, it said, adding that the total value of the seized contraband, including the cigarettes, was estimated at approximately Rs 43.14 crore.