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.