India is facing increased smuggling of cocaine and gold, particularly along its North-Eastern borders, according to the DRI’s annual report. The report indicates a marked rise in cocaine trafficking from South America and gold smuggling predominantly from West Asia. Additionally, the misuse of Free Trade Agreements is a growing concern, with cases of FTA abuse showing significant financial implications.
India is currently confronting a significant increase in smuggling activities, particularly concerning cocaine and gold, as highlighted in the Directorate of Revenue and Intelligence (DRI) annual report. Released by Union revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra, the report emphasizes particular concerns along the borders of North-East India, where traffickers have begun employing sophisticated techniques. The DRI emphasized the need for enhanced vigilance and skill development among its officers to effectively combat these increasingly complex smuggling operations.
The report elaborates that cocaine trafficking has notably escalated in India, emerging chiefly through direct channels from South America and African nations, recording 47 cases in the air route for 2023-24 compared to 21 cases the previous year. Furthermore, the DRI has observed an upsurge in hydroponic marijuana smuggling from various countries, including the United States and Thailand.
In addition to the cocaine surge, the DRI report indicates that India has become a primary destination for illicit gold imports, predominantly from West Asia, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where prices are considerably lower. Notably, the porous eastern borders, especially with Bangladesh and Myanmar, have raised alarms among law enforcement agencies, as areas like Manipur and Mizoram have turned into hotspots for gold trafficking, with DRI seizures increasing from 600 kg to 1,319 kg year-over-year.
Moreover, the DRI has highlighted the misuse of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by certain traders, leading to significant instances of misclassification of imports and fraudulent documentation. The report details misuse cases valued at ₹1,427 crore for 2023-24, a significant rise from ₹481 crore in the previous year. The DRI remains committed to investigating these abuses to protect domestic industries from harmful practices.
The increase in smuggling activities in India, especially concerning cocaine and gold, poses pressing challenges for law enforcement and economic stability. The DRI, which monitors and combats these illegal activities, highlighted a worrying trend, particularly along the North-Eastern borders. The trafficking of cocaine and illicit gold imports not only undermines the economy but also presents complex challenges for regulatory authorities in combating sophisticated smuggling techniques employed by traffickers. The misuse of Free Trade Agreements further complicates this issue, necessitating vigilant oversight and effective investigative measures to safeguard the integrity of domestic markets.
In conclusion, the DRI’s annual report reveals a troubling rise in the smuggling of cocaine and gold in India, particularly along its North-Eastern borders. The report underscores the need for heightened vigilance and skill enhancement among DRI officials to counteract these challenges effectively. The DRI also emphasizes the importance of addressing the misuse of FTAs to protect the domestic industry from adverse impacts while ensuring that revenue collection does not harm the broader economy.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
