27^th June 2023 |  Focus State: Chandigarh

The role of police department in combating illicit trade requires a comprehensive approach involving enforcement, intelligence, collaboration, public awareness, and technology utilization. In an effort, to tackle the escalating problem of counterfeiting and smuggling, FICCI CASCADE organized an extensive training program benefiting over 100 police officers from the Chandigarh Police. The programme underscored the pressing importance for law enforcement agencies to remain proactive in addressing the ever-evolving challenges presented by counterfeiting and smuggling, given their far-reaching global implications. 

Mr. Deepak Purohit, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)- UT, Chandigarh was the chief guest at the programme. Mr. Purohit stated that illicit activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling create an adverse impact on our aspirations of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy. This clandestine activity undermines legitimate businesses, siphons off government revenue, and stifles economic growth. To realize our vision, we must collectively address the menace of illicit trade, fortifying our economy against its corrosive effects, emphasized Mr. Purohit. 

Mr. Purohit mentioned that the scourge of counterfeiting and smuggling undermines the very essence of our mission of Amrit Kaal. These illicit activities not only cripple our economy and rob legitimate businesses of their rightful earnings but also jeopardize the well-being of our society. The consequences of counterfeiting and smuggling extend beyond mere financial losses. They create breeding grounds for anti-national elements, enabling the activities of terrorist networks. This underscores the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to be well-equipped and knowledgeable in safeguarding consumers from the inherent dangers associated with these illegal practices, added Mr. Purohit.

Mr Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi highlighted that the illicit market is fostering an illegitimate industry, resulting in a rise in criminal activities within society. The purpose of this capacity building program is to raise awareness among Chandigarh police officers about the critical significance of sustained vigilance and the gravity of the consequences stemming from counterfeit and smuggled products.

Col Atul Yadav, General Manager- North, Industry Affairs, ITC Ltd. apprised that the market is being inundated with substandard counterfeit and smuggled products due to illegal activities like counterfeiting and smuggling. These goods are often manufactured without adhering to quality standards and are sold through illegal means, leading to a surge in unreported income. A major contributing factor to the rampant rise in smuggling is the imposition of high taxes, creating significant arbitrage opportunities that fuel such illicit activities. The scale of smuggling in the country is a matter of great concern. However, addressing this growing menace in India requires comprehensive efforts to strengthen compliance, streamline processes, and enhance the detection capabilities to effectively combat such criminal activities.

Mr. Gagan Rajpurohit, Legal Counsel, HUL opined that counterfeiting and smuggling pose a vast global problem, affecting virtually every industry sector across the world. These illicit activities destabilize legitimate industries, diminish government revenues, facilitate terror financing, and jeopardize the health and safety of consumers. The scale and impact of these practices call for urgent and concerted efforts to mitigate their consequences.