Page 79 - SMUGGLING IN INDIA REPORT FOR 2020-2021

Overview
World over, Customs, typically is the first line of defence for a country. The National Customs Agencies are the sentinels at the economic frontiers with the responsibility of countering transnational organised crimes. Such crimes and the elements involved therein, pose a significant and growing threat to national and international security, with dire implications for public safety, public health, democratic institutions, and economic stability across the globe.
With the ever-expanding volumes of international trade and globalization of businesses, the interdependence of nations and the importance of global supply chains has also intensified. This international economic integration has in turn heightened the risks to legitimate supply chains and genuine trade from being exploited for nefarious and disruptive ends, by non-state actors.
Transnational criminal networks are not only expanding, but are also diversifying their activities, resulting in the convergence of threats that were once distinct. The
dynamic and clandestine nature of this threat makes it imperative for Customs to remain highly aware, prepared and vigilant. National Customs Agencies, therefore, constantly have to remain cognizant of their roles as important cogs in the ring ensuring and safeguarding national security.
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has been emphasising security-related issues, and developing norms and practices to secure the supply chain. In fact, in December 2015 WCO Members adopted the Punta Cana Resolution on the role of Customs in the security context, underlining the fact that Customs administrations are the “first line of defence against many criminal and violent extremist and terrorist organizations...”. The Punta Cana Resolution, among other things, stresses upon Customs authorities to include security in their strategic plans and to use the full range of detection and investigative techniques for addressing emerging border-security-related concerns.
CHAPTER 3: ROLE OF CUSTOMS IN NATIONAL SECURITY 33