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.