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1 Smuggling in India Report 2024-25

Overview

The evolving security paradigm reflects a shift from traditional notions of
defence and territorial integrity toward a more comprehensive approach
encompassing economic, environmental, and societal dimensions of security. In
this context, Customs administrations have emerged as frontline guardians of
national security, combating transnational threats that exploit global trade and
travel networks, positioned at the intersection of facilitation and border protec-
tion.

In India, DRI is the apex intelligence
and investigation agency enforcing
customs and related laws. It plays a
key role in protecting national securi-
ty and public health by thwarting the
smuggling of narcotics, arms, explo- Passenger To identify and
Controls (API manage high-risk
sives, fake currency, counterfeit and PNR) travellers
goods, hazardous materials, and
dual-use items. It also combats trans-
national crime and illegal financial
To curb the illicit IED
flows, including those linked to terror diversion of precur- Programme
financing and trade-based money sor chemicals and Global Shield
explosives (PGS)
laundering.

By leveraging the three-pronged
Radiological & To strengthen
approach of intelligence, data analyt- Nuclear preparedness
ics, and international cooperation, the Detection against
Awareness radiological and
DRI disrupts illicit supply chains that (RANDA) nuclear threats
fund terrorism, endanger public
health, and undermine economic
integrity, thereby fortifying the
nation’s security and safety architec- To prevent the Strategic Trade
proliferation of Control
ture in an interconnected world. weapons of mass Enforcement
destruction and
dual-use goods
Indian customs is actively implement-
ing the World Customs Organization
Thematic areas under the WCO
(WCO) Security Programme, which Security Programme
serves as a global framework to
enhance border protection and
secure international supply chains.

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