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Norikazu KURAMOTO
Head of RILO A/P
MESSAGE

On behalf of the World Customs Organization, Regional Intelligence Liaison Office or
WCO RILO A/P, I wish to extend my deepest respect and heartfelt congratulations to the
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs on
the publication of its Smuggling in India Report 2024-25.

The continuous production of Smuggling in India Report by DRI is deeply significant, and
their content brings substantial value to the Customs community across Asia-Pacific
region. I am fully convinced that the DRI report brings tips in offering frontline enforce-
ment, catching emerging trends, supporting investigations, and preventing action for
illicit activity and so on. This report constitutes a substantial contribution to both the Asia
Pacific region and the wider global community.

We are engaged in a struggle against transnational criminal organizations whose tactics
evolve daily; thus, it is essential for CUS to remain vigilant and devote sustained effort to
keeping pace. Across the Asia-Pacific region, there continue to be highly active hot
spots. The Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle remain epicenters of illicit drug
trafficking. Efforts to counter smuggling of Methamphetamine, stimulants, heroin, and
cannabis are ongoing, even as new smuggling routes emerge. Gold smuggling remains
critical and continues unabated. Tax evasion, money laundering, and other criminal activ-
ities are intertwined with Gold illicit trades. The situation is further aggravated by intellec-
tual property infringing goods such as counterfeit medicines that pose grave health risks,
and by the illegal trade in endangered wildlife and environmental damage that threaten
biodiversity and habitats. When l talk of illicit trade across Eurasia continental, India
occupies a central position and plays an indispensable role. Therefore, the information
issued by DRI is of course very meaningful and indeed of the utmost usefulness.

Finally, I wish to highlight the very active role of the Customs in the Asia Pacific region
under the framework of WCO, among which India stands out. Contributions via the DRI
th
are significant, making it one of the foremost contributors. On the 68 Foundation Day of
DRI, I offer my sincere congratulations and express my earnest hope for the continued
prosperity of DRI and for its further contributions in the years ahead.

Sincerely

Norikazu KURAMOTO
Head of RILO A/P

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