11^th February 2024

With India persistently targeted by smugglers, the nation grapples with the profound repercussions of illicit activities on its economic fabric. Beyond financial losses, smuggling infiltrates diverse facets of societal welfare, amplifying health hazards for consumers and eroding crucial government revenues. Despite global efforts, including fortified border security and intensified trade regulations, smuggling remains a formidable challenge demanding urgent intervention.

With the objective of building a robust international campaign against the menace of smuggling, FICCI CASCADE in 2022 took the lead and launched Anti-Smuggling Day on 11 February. Anti-Smuggling Day is observed to raise awareness and promote multinational cooperation to address the causes and consequences of smuggling.

FICCI CASCADE has successfully organized the 3rd edition of Anti-Smuggling Day on 11th February 2024. The programme featured impactful video messages from esteemed dignitaries who delivered insightful addresses highlighting the challenges posed by smuggling and shared their valuable experiences in countering this menace.

Mr. Mohan Kumar Singh, Principal Director General, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on the occasion of FICCI CASCADE’s ‘Anti-Smuggling Day’ highlighted the transnational nature of smuggling and the urgent necessity for international collaboration in combating such illicit activities. DRI is actively involved in various global enforcement operations targeting drugs, arms, wildlife, environment, money laundering, and terror financing. Mr. Singh opined that by consistently sharing actionable intelligence with overseas counterparts, DRI has facilitated numerous operations resulting in significant contraband seizures by customs authorities in countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Mr. Singh also underlined DRI’s vigilance against the smuggling of various items like red sanders, cigarettes, fake currency, foreign currency, and wildlife products. He attributed these seizures to the effective teamwork of DRI officers and the excellent cooperation among partner law enforcement agencies.

Mr. P K Das, Director, Compliance and Facilitation, World Customs Organization delivered a powerful message emphasizing that illicit trade remains a major threat to global security, economic stability, and the well-being of societies worldwide. From the smuggling of illicit goods and drugs to the trafficking of wildlife and cultural artifacts, these criminal activities undermine legitimate economies, empower organized crime syndicates, and jeopardize the health and safety of individuals across the globe, emphasized Mr. Das.

Highlighting the importance of citizen vigilance in combating smuggling, Mr. Balesh Kumar, Member of the Appellate Tribunal-SAFEMA, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, urged all Indians to actively engage in the Anti-Smuggling Day activities initiated by FICCI CASCADE. This programme serves not only as a reminder for enforcement agencies but also for citizens to stay vigilant against the use of smuggled goods. Mr. Kumar mentioned that it is in their best interest to avoid products of questionable quality. Smuggled counterfeit goods, often available at low prices in the market, pose significant risks to society and health. Therefore, Mr. Kumar implores citizens to refrain from using such items.

As we observe Anti-Smuggling Day, Mr. Marco Teixeria, Regional Representative, South Asia, UNODC accentuated the multifaceted consequences of smuggling, spanning economic impacts to public security concerns. By illuminating these issues, determination to combat smuggling and maintain fairness and integrity in business practices is fortified. Mr. Marco expressed gratitude to FICCI CASCADE for providing a platform for dialogue and unified action to confront this threat on this momentous day.

Speaking on the importance of Anti-Smuggling Day, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairman, FICCI CASCADE stated that on 11th February 2022, CASCADE launched Anti-Smuggling Day and pledged to spare no effort in raising awareness and taking concerted action against the multi-faceted challenge of smuggling. Staying true to that commitment, FICCI CASCADE is now introducing a new campaign – ‘Smuggled Saaman Ko Karo Nakaar, Viksit Bharat Ka Sapna Karo Sakaar’.

Mr. Rajput emphasized that FICCI CASCADE’s latest campaign, ‘Smuggled Saaman Ko Karo Nakaar, Viksit Bharat Ka Sapna Karo Sakaar’ is created to enlighten this expanding customer base about the perils associated with engaging in smuggled goods, spanning categories like drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, mobile phones and packaged foods. The realization of the Viksit Bharat vision greatly depends on our collective efforts (Sabka Prayas), and the battle against smuggling stands as a pivotal element and a formidable challenge in this transformative journey.

As a run-up to this year’s Anti-Smuggling Day, and to sensitize the youth on the menace of smuggled goods, FICCI CASCADE also organized a Digital Art Competition on the theme, ‘Stand Against Smuggling’. The theme aims to cultivate a culture of ethical consumption and instil a sense of responsible citizenship among the younger generation. The competition has consistently drawn participants from across the globe.

In emphasizing the insidious criminal activities associated with smuggling, Mr. Najib Shah, Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE articulated that the economic ramifications of smuggling, extensively highlighted by FICCI CASCADE in its various studies are profound. Loss of employment, revenue, and the generation of funds outside the tax net underscore the gravity of the issue. These unaccounted funds can be exploited for nefarious criminal activities.

Embarking on the discussion, Mr. P K Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice, Govt. of India and Think Tank Member, FICCI CASCADE stated that this programme serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to combat illegal activities that threaten the safety and prosperity of our community.

In addressing the global ramifications of weapon smuggling, Mr. Deep Chand IPS, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Delhi Police underscored its impact beyond India, affecting numerous countries worldwide. He stressed upon the fact that how extremists exploit this illicit trade, posing a threat to international peace and security. Mr. Chand urged every citizen to unite against this malevolent menace for the sake of a safer world.

In elucidating the detrimental effects of smuggling across multiple domains in our nation, Mr. P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs shed light on the adverse effects of smuggling on multiple fronts in our country, including substantial loss of employment opportunities. He talked on the imperative to confront this menace directly to safeguard livelihoods and promote economic growth.

Smuggling is a significant challenge to our nation’s burgeoning economy, and its prevalence is expected to escalate further. Vigilance is imperative in addressing this issue. Over the years, FICCI CASCADE has been consistently working towards creating awareness on tackling the serious problem of smuggling. It is important that we work together, across borders and sectors, to disrupt the networks and supply chains that support smuggling.