Page 83 - SMUGGLING IN INDIA REPORT FOR 2020-2021

Smuggling has a multi- dimensional impact on national security. Fraudulent cross-border trade transactions can generate illicit incomes that can fund and sustain other criminal activities. Further, the channels through which smuggling happens – both in terms of the people engaged in it, and in terms of modes and routes used - can lend itself to movement of any kind of goods including those that can cause devastation and havoc – like biological, chemical, nuclear or conventional weapons.
Further, the extensive global supply chain networks and the large volumes of trade
are used to mask proliferation of dangerous goods and technologies; of illegal trade in dual-use goods; of endangered and protected wildlife; in laundering proceeds of crime; and even in siphoning off the country’s cultural heritage in the form of distinctive and rare sculptures and other art.
Even with the associated risks of illicit goods being discovered and confiscated, or the threat of being caught and be subjected to penalties and punishments that the law prescribes; the act of Smuggling still remains a strong choice and offers high margins of profit for those who choose to engage in it. Smuggling is often resorted to and has a lucrative appeal for non-state actors in both generating the funds and financial flows needed to sustain illicit activities, and to disguise the origin of funds, or to move resources and dangerous contraband that threaten the peace and safety of citizens.
Transnational criminal syndicates, state-sponsored terrorists and non-state actors-often live in symbiotic relationships, continually change colours and roles and vary their modus operandi to take advantage of a world coming to terms with the post-COVID new normal. Against this backdrop, the role of Indian Customs and of the DRI assumes greater significance in the security architecture of the country.
CHAPTER 3: ROLE OF CUSTOMS IN NATIONAL SECURITY 37