Focus State: Kerala | Date: 18th May 2023

As part of the relentless efforts to combat the dangers posed by illicit trade, FICCI CASCADE organized a capacity building programme for police officers in Kochi, Kerala. With a focus on combating trade in illicit products, the program aimed to provide officers with the necessary learning and skills to comprehend relevant laws and effectively combat counterfeiters and smugglers through appropriate actions.

Mr. K Sethu Raman, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Kochi, Kerala, graced the occasion as the chief guest for the programme. During his address at the ‘Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers of Kerala on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling,’ Mr. K Sethu Raman accentuated that in recent times there has been a notable surge in online counterfeiting and smuggling cases, necessitating a strong and proactive response to effectively prevent such fraudulent practices is the need of the hour. Illicit trade in terms of counterfeiting and smuggling is a significant impediment to the growth of the economy affecting it in multiple ways, emphasized Mr. Raman.

Commissioner in his address highlighted the importance of a strong and proactive response to combat counterfeiting and smuggling. He stressed on the need for comprehensive training programs that equip police officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify, investigate, and dismantle these illicit networks. Additionally, creating extensive awareness among law enforcement agencies and the public about the scale and repercussions of counterfeiting and smuggling is crucial for generating effective collaboration and engagement, he added.

Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi gave an overview on the socio-economic impact of counterfeiting and smuggling. He mentioned that the growing intensity of smuggling and counterfeiting is posing a significant risk for knowledge-based, open & globalized economies. The police department’s role is vital in safeguarding the country’s national security and economic interests. This involves preventing criminal organizations from making gains from illegal activities and ensuring that legitimate businesses can operate in a secure and safe environment. This capacity building program is aimed to sensitize the Kerala police officers on the importance of continued awareness and seriousness of the impact of counterfeit and smuggled products, added Mr. Chand.

Mr. S Satyanathan S, Regional Manager- Industry Affairs (South) at ITC Ltd, and Mr. Anish Parackal Joseph, Regional Business Manager at Nokia, engaged in a discussion regarding industry-related challenges and proposed collaborative measures with enforcement agencies to effectively combat economic offenses.

Mr. Satyanathan S highlighted that the illegal trade of cigarettes has become one of the most profitable and rapidly growing forms of illicit activity, accounting for one-third of the legal cigarette market in India. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for heightened surveillance and stricter enforcement measures to effectively curb the proliferation of illegal cigarettes in the country.

Mr. Joseph talked on the challenges posed by mobile handset duplication and smuggling which are escalating at an alarming rate. He highlighted the need to redouble our efforts in enforcing the implementation of IMEI numbers. The robust system is essential for establishing fool proof security and enabling the law enforcement agencies, customs, and regulatory bodies to track and seize smuggled or counterfeit devices, protecting consumers from potential risks and curbing the growth of illicit activities, emphasized Mr. Joseph.

The program witnessed an enthusiastic participation from over 120 officers hailing from various regions of the state, reflecting their enthusiasm and commitment towards the cause.