7 July 2023| Doranda , Ranchi
Over the course of its existence, FICCI CASCADE has fostered close collaborations with governmental bodies, industrial stakeholders, enforcement authorities, legal professionals, consumer groups, and the youth to generate awareness about the detrimental effects of counterfeiting and smuggling on our economy, health and safety. In addition to various initiatives, FICCI CASCADE consistently interacts with law enforcement agencies, encompassing the police, customs, and paramilitary organizations involved in border safeguarding.
FICCI CASCADE organized a Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling on 7th July 2023 at Doranda, Ranchi. The programme was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Anoop Birtharay, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jharkhand, who attended as the chief guest. Addressing the Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling he stated that illicit trade in terms of smuggling and counterfeiting are adversely impacting the legitimate economic activity of the country. It deprives the government’s revenues for investment in vital public services, dislocating millions of legitimate jobs and causing irreversible damage to public health and safety.
Mr. Birtharay emphasized the need for capacity building programs aimed at enhancing the skills, infrastructure, and technology of law enforcement agencies to improve their ability to detect and investigate crimes related to counterfeiting and smuggling. Mr. Birtharay highlighted the necessity of coordinated efforts among the government, industry bodies, and enforcement agencies to effectively combat the expanding threat.
Mr. Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi opined that the escalating prevalence of smuggling and counterfeiting presents a substantial hazard to economies that are knowledge-driven, open, and interconnected. He underlined the importance of the police department in upholding both the national security and economic welfare of the nation. This encompasses thwarting criminal enterprises from profiting through illicit endeavours and ensuring a secure environment for lawful businesses to operate.
Mr. Avinash Sinha, Regional Manager, Industry Affairs (East), ITC Ltd. stated that within the realm of illicit and smuggled items, cigarettes have risen to prominence as an exceptionally profitable commodity. This category has experienced a significant surge, marking a substantial increase in recent times, and it now constitutes a third of the legal cigarette market within the nation. This situation necessitates a more vigilant action and stringent enforcement measures to effectively control the proliferation of illegal cigarettes across India, he elaborated.
Mr. Milind Palany, Senior Manager, Global Brand Protection, Southern Asia and ANZ Cluster, Kenvue emphasized that there exists a pressing demand for law enforcement entities to possess comprehensive resources and expertise to effectively shield consumers from the inherent hazards linked with illicit trade practices.
The programme witnessed an enthusiastic engagement from over 85 police officers of Jharkhand Police. The capacity building initiative aimed to equip the officers with in-depth knowledge and effective strategies to combat these illicit trade activities.
