BENGALURU: A total of 7.3 lakh cigarette sticks, smuggled by flyers into Bengaluru from West Asia and Thailand, were mass destroyed by Bengaluru Airport Customs officials on Friday. The total worth of the cigarettes was nearly Rs 1.46 crore. The destruction was carried out all day at an incinerator at Bangalore Eco Park Pvt Ltd in Nelamangala, which has been certified by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board for the purpose.
Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Empowering Actions to Combat Counterfeiting and Smuggling
Date: 30 October 2023 | Focus State: Delhi
FICCI CASCADE organized a capacity building programme for police officers of New Delhi on the theme titled “Empowering Actions to Combat Counterfeiting and Smuggling” on 30th October 2023 at Specialized Training Centre, Delhi Police Academy, Rajender Nagar. This initiative served as a platform for law enforcement officers to enhance their skills in identifying, preventing, and addressing illegal trading operations.
Mr. S K Gautam, Special Commissioner, Training, Delhi Police was the chief guest at the programme. During the training programme, Mr. Gautam stressed that successful law enforcement in the swiftly changing landscape of today requires not just knowledge but also adaptability. He emphasized the dedication to achieving excellence in police training, working in conjunction with FICCI CASCADE. This collaboration ensures that our officers are thoroughly equipped to tackle the constantly evolving challenges in our society, with special attention to the growing concerns related to smuggling and counterfeiting activities. These unlawful practices not only undermine our national economy but also threaten the well-being of our citizens. Through this program, officers are empowered to combat the insidious forces behind smuggling and counterfeiting, thereby safeguarding communities, upholding the law, and preserving the nation’s integrity.
Mr. Vijay Singh, Director, Delhi Police Academy, stressed that the academy’s ongoing initiative to sensitize and enhance the skills of Delhi Police investigators, as part of this capacity-building program, aligns with the academy’s persistent commitment to developing a well-trained and oriented police force. Mr. Singh highlighted the escalating occurrence of offenses like counterfeiting, forgery, and smuggling, attributing their rise to the swift advancements in technology, particularly the widespread use of computers and sophisticated electronic devices.
He highlighted the combination of heightened demand for illicit products and a lack of awareness among the general public, contributing to the expansion of these unlawful activities. Stressing the mandatory duty of law enforcement agencies, Mr. Singh emphasized the need to address counterfeiting and smuggling on a broader scale. This involves ensuring that wrongdoers face the full force of the legal system and receive due punishment.
Mr Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, emphasized that the imperative to combat illegal trade cannot be overstated. It jeopardizes public health, results in losses to the exchequer, and funds illegal organizations. Illicit trade fosters a shadow economy, eroding vital tax revenue that could otherwise enhance public services such as healthcare and education. The battle against illegal trade extends beyond financial considerations, it is about safeguarding society. Mr. Chand mentioned that it is crucial to ensure that concerted efforts are undertaken collectively to confront and overcome this menace.
Col Atul Yadav, General Manager- North, Industry Affairs, ITC Ltd. shared his views stating that illicit trading activities cause a ripple of economic losses in any country. Whether impacting the government, businesses, or consumers, all bear the adverse effects of counterfeiting and smuggling. A substantial driver for the widespread surge in smuggling is the imposition of high taxes, creating significant arbitrage to fuel such activities. The scale of smuggling in the country is a source of significant concern. However, to effectively address the growing menace of smuggling in India, more concerted efforts are required to strengthen compliance and processes, making the detection of such crimes more robust.
Ms Sreejita Dey, Public Policy Manager – Amazon India opined that Amazon has implemented numerous initiatives and allocated resources to enhance the online shopping experience for customers. Amazon’s primary focus is to ensure the reliability and safety of the marketplace for customers, brands, and sellers engaging in transactions. To protect consumers from any malicious activities, Amazon provides an A-to-Z guarantee, allowing customers to make purchases on our platform with confidence and security.
Through continuous engagement and awareness initiatives, FICCI CASCADE is committed to furnishing these agencies with essential knowledge and tools, empowering them to adeptly combat and navigate the intricacies linked to smuggling and counterfeiting. The programme witnessed an enthusiastic participation of 120 officers from Delhi.
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Delhi businesswoman arrested after Rs 11 crore worth foreign cigarettes seized
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized two containers filled with smuggled cigarettes worth Rs 11 crore at Nhava Sheva port. The cigarettes were imported from Thailand and were falsely declared as fresh fruit. A female entrepreneur from Delhi has been arrested in connection with the smuggling racket. The DRI suspects the existence of three more containers yet to be declared. The seized containers contained over 63 lakh cigarette sticks of various brands. The investigation revealed that the activities of the smuggling operation were coordinated by the arrested woman and her husband based in Bangkok.
Cash, goods worth over ₹5.5 crore seized in poll-bound Chhattisgarh
Raipur: Unaccounted cash, liquor and other goods worth more than Rs 5.5 crore have seized in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has said.
The seizures took place between October 9 and 16 after the model code of conduct was imposed ahead of the state assembly elections to be held on November 7 and 17, it said on Tuesday.
Among other things, Rs 85 lakh in cash, 11,851 litres of liquor worth Rs 37.57 lakh, 1,838 kg of narcotics valued at Rs 61.57 lakh, 63 kg of jewellery worth Rs 1.7 crore and other goods worth Rs 2.03 crore were seized, officials said.
DRI seizes gold worth Rs 10 crore, Rs 53 lakh cash
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Chennai detained two individuals with 15kg of smuggled gold worth 10 crore. The gold was intercepted in a car in Flower Bazaar based on information that it was being brought from Sri Lanka to be sold in the wholesale market. DRI sleuths also seized cash and detained five individuals during their investigation. This is the third seizure by DRI in a week, with previous seizures of gold from smugglers near Trichy and from passengers arriving at Chennai airport from Malaysia.
Mumbai airport customs destroys 3700 kgs of confiscated cigarettes
As part of an ongoing special initiative to free up office space, Mumbai Airport Customs is accelerating the disposal of confiscated goods. On October 12, the Mumbai airport customs destroyed 3,700 kgs of illegally imported cigarettes, tobacco, and e-cigarettes valued at Rs 2.80 crore as part of this effort.
MUMBAI: As a part of an ongoing special campaign disposal of seized goods is being expedited by the Mumbai airport customs to reclaim office space. In this regard, 3700 kgs of illegally imported Cigarettes, Tobacco and e-Cigarettes valued at Rs 2.80 crore were destroyed by the Mumbai airport customs on October 12.
Two foreign nationals sentenced for smuggling cigarettes worth R9m into SA
The Polokwane specialised commercial crimes court has sentenced two Zimbabwean nationals who were caught trying to smuggle illegal cigarettes worth R9m into the country.
Marshall Masiya was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for illegal immigration while his co-accused, Oswald Raisi, was sentenced to eight years for corruption after he tried to bribe the official who discovered the contraband.
MASCRADE 2023 Movement Against Smuggled & Counterfeit Trade
28-29 September 2023 | ITC Maurya, New Delhi
Smuggling and counterfeiting is a global problem that poses significant challenges to economic development, public health, and social stability. Illicit trade has complex and interrelated socio-economic dimensions that are influenced by various factors, including corruption, technological advancements, demand for cheap and counterfeit products, amongst others. The effects of trade in smuggled and counterfeit goods challenge the well-being of consumers, efficient businesses, and effective governance. Illicit trade is often referred to as the crime of the 21st century due to its far-reaching impact on economies worldwide, affecting both developed and emerging nations alike. Despite global efforts to combat it, illicit trade persists as a highly profitable venture for illicit market operators, resulting in significant losses for industries, governments, and society as a whole. Illicit trading activities can seriously hinder India’s goal of achieving a $5 trillion economy by impeding its growth potential.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of organized crime, illicit trade, terrorism, and their socio-economic implications is crucial. Effectively combating these issues necessitates international coordination and cooperation to foster transparency, accountability, and good governance worldwide. Organizations across the globe are actively collaborating to enhance cooperation in preventing, detecting, and prosecuting illegal financial flows.
Police Seize Fake Cosmetics Worth Rs 10 Lakh In Odisha’s Berhampur City
Berhampur: Fake cosmetic products worth over Rs ten lakh were seized by the police from some shops in Odisha’s Berhampur city on Saturday.
The seizure was made following raids carried out by a joint team of Berhampur Town police and Badabazar police. The police team raided the shops after receiving a complaint from FMCG major Hindustan Unilever, according to sources.
The police team carried out raids at several shops at Khasapa Line and Bhapur market as well as a mall in Old Bus stand area of the city and seized a huge quantity of fake cosmetics. The seized products were valued at over Rs ten lakh.
https://odishabytes.com/police-seize-fake-cosmetics-worth-rs-10-lakh-in-odishas-berhampur-city/
Mizoram: Drugs, foreign cigarettes worth Rs 5.67 crore seized, five held
Mizoram: A combined team of law enforcing agencies seized heroin and foreign-origin cigarettes valued at Rs 5.67 crore and apprehended five smugglers from different places of Mizoram on Thursday, an official said.
Officials said that combined teams of Assam Rifles, Customs Preventive Force, Excise and Narcotics department officials and special narcotics police station (CID-Crime) of Mizoram police in separate operations seized the drugs and the foreign-origin cigarettes from Aizawl and Champhai districts.