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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Globalisation has exponentially increased the cross-border movement of goods,
people, and capital, creating new vulnerabilities that demand a modern, intelli-
gence-led approach to Customs enforcement. As global supply chains grow more
complex and transnational crime exploits open borders and trade corridors,
Indian Customs and DRI play a crucial role in safeguarding national security,
including economic security, public health, and consumer safety by intercepting
narcotics, arms, explosives, fake currency, hazardous materials, counterfeit goods,
and illegal dual-use items.

Operating at the intersection of trade facilitation and enforcement, DRI has
evolved into a frontline national agency, using intelligence-driven operations,
advanced data analytics, and international cooperation to dismantle smuggling
networks. It also counters transnational crime, commercial fraud, and
trade-based money laundering, potentially linked to terror financing and nar-
co-terrorism.

DRI is at the forefront in advancing the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by stopping
the inflow of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) into India. As
traffickers increasingly misuse global logistics networks, DRI intercepts drug con-
signments at ports, airports, and land borders while dismantling transnational
networks and domestic clandestine production. In FY 2024–25, DRI effected 134
NDPS seizures, recovering 11,112.31 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic sub-
stances, including 66.42 kg of cocaine, 22.85 kg of heroin, 198.42 kg of metham-
phetamine, 198.44 kg of mephedrone, 47.34 kg of hydroponic cannabis, and
8,952.72 kg of ganja. In addition, 3 illicit factories manufacturing narcotic drugs
and psychotropic substances were busted. Drug trafficking is shifting towards
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), darknet-driven distribution, synthetic drug
labs, and new methods such as liquid cocaine, body concealment, fentanyl precur-
sors, and hydroponic weed, with traffickers using advanced concealment and
encrypted communication that complicate enforcement.

Gold’s cultural, economic, and social significance, alongside its high liquidity and
value, continues to fuel transnational smuggling. Global uncertainties in FY
2024-25, including geopolitical tensions, inflation, reciprocal tariffs, and trade

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