26^th April 2024, New Delhi

FICCI CASCADE organized an enlightening “In Conversation” session featuring Mr. Anil Shukla, Director General of Police, Mizoram, held on April 26, 2024. The session aimed to delve into the pressing issues surrounding counterfeiting and smuggling, shedding light on their profound societal and economic repercussions. The law enforcement expert explored effective strategies in tackling these challenges head-on.

Mr. Anil Shukla underscored the formidable challenge posed by the porous Indo-Myanmar border, compounded by its rugged terrain and lack of proper fencing. He highlighted Mizoram’s vulnerability, situated in the notorious Golden Triangle, where drug trafficking and contraband smuggling thrive. Moreover, the region grapples with the smuggling of areca nuts, foreign cigarettes and the illicit trade in exotic animals, he added.

He said that the particular concern was the escalating drug trade, evident in the rising seizures of high-quality heroin, ganja, and methamphetamine. In 2023 alone, drug seizures reached a staggering value of Rs 190 crore, Mr. Shukla informed. He further emphasized the issue of contraband smuggling, including wildlife, citing inadequate customs presence and storage facilities as contributing factors. Mizoram Police have proactively engaged in combating these issues through collaborative efforts with agencies such as the Assam Police, BSF, Narcotics Departments, and Customs Department. Key strategies encompass capacity enhancement, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency coordination to bolster the fight against smuggling.

Mr. Shukla expressed eagerness to collaborate with FICCI CASCADE, to enhance anti-smuggling endeavours and underscored the significance of platforms enabling Mizoram police to share insights and forge partnerships with a wider audience. Through sustained cooperation, he expressed confidence in mitigating security threats and upholding the region’s integrity.

Regarding solutions, Mr. Shukla emphasized the indispensable role of intelligence gathering and cultivating local sources. He advocated for a collective approach involving the entire community to address the multifaceted challenges posed by smuggling comprehensively.

Mr. Deep Chand, Former Special Commissioner of Delhi Police and Advisor to FICCI CASCADE, underscored the gravity of illicit trade’s impact on the economy and public welfare. He emphasized the persistent challenge posed by illicit trade in India, highlighting the grave threats counterfeit goods and smuggling activities pose to both the economy and public welfare. Mr. Chand underscored the paramount importance of law enforcement, particularly the police, in safeguarding market integrity and protecting consumers.

Furthermore, he shed light on the evolving tactics of criminal syndicates, which are increasingly sophisticated in exploiting systemic loopholes and leveraging technology to evade detection. In response, FICCI CASCADE has been actively engaged in conducting capacity-building training sessions for various stakeholders, including judicial officers, customs officers, and state police officers. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of law enforcement personnel, empowering them to effectively combat illicit trade activities.

Mr. Chand expressed FICCI CASCADE’s willingness to extend its training programs to the Mizoram Police, underscoring the organization’s commitment to equipping officers with the necessary tools and expertise to tackle smuggling and counterfeiting within their jurisdictions.

The session joined by approximately 3000 participants, served as a pivotal platform for engaging discussions and strategic insights into the multifaceted challenges of smuggling and counterfeiting. It underscored the urgency of collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies, government bodies, industry stakeholders, and civil society to effectively combat these illicit activities. As the dialogue continues and partnerships strengthen, there remains optimism for concerted action and tangible progress in safeguarding society and the economy against the threats posed by smuggling and counterfeiting