India is expanding its international enforcement network to tackle the growing threat of organised smuggling. Speaking at FICCI CASCADE’s 5th Anti-Smuggling Day, Mr Mohan Kumar Singh, Member – Compliance Management, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), said India has signed 42 Mutual Customs Cooperation Agreements (MoUs) and is negotiating 21 more with major trading partners.
He noted that smuggling has evolved into a technology-driven economic crime with serious implications for national security and economic stability. In the first three quarters of the current financial year, enforcement agencies seized around 500 kg of gold, 150 million illicit cigarettes, over 20 metric tonnes of red sanders, and large quantities of narcotics including cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, and hydroponic cannabis. More than 100 wildlife trafficking cases were also detected.
Mr Singh highlighted the shift toward network-based enforcement, using risk-based inspections, advanced cargo screening, non-intrusive examination systems, and AI-driven analytics. He added that Union Budget measures, including AI-powered image analytics and expanded container scanning, will further strengthen enforcement while customs reforms aim to promote compliance.
FICCI CASCADE Chairman Mr Anil Rajput stressed the need for strong global partnerships to combat illicit trade. He called for the recognition of an International Anti-Smuggling Day by the United Nations to boost worldwide cooperation. Advisor Mr P C Jha emphasised that enforcement must focus on dismantling financial and logistical networks behind smuggling operations.
A 2024 CASCADE study estimated India’s illicit market at nearly ₹8 lakh crore in 2022–23, with earlier research showing the loss of nearly 15.96 lakh legitimate jobs due to unlawful trade.
The event also featured two high-level panel discussions on strategic enforcement and cross-border cooperation, along with awards for a nationwide digital art competition.
