A powerful push for international solidarity against smuggling emerged from New Delhi, as FICCI CASCADE Chairman Anil Rajput petitioned the United Nations to proclaim February 11 as ‘International Anti-Smuggling Day.’ This move seeks to unite countries in awareness campaigns and concerted crackdowns on illicit trade.
Speaking candidly, Rajput painted a grim picture of smuggling’s escalation, not just in India but globally. ‘It’s eroding our economies and security. A UN-declared day on February 11 would amplify voices everywhere, urging collective action,’ he said.
The proposal gained traction at a FICCI CASCADE conclave in the capital, featuring top experts. Discussions revealed India’s strides: 42 bilateral customs pacts signed, with 21 more in the pipeline alongside major trade allies. These deals fortify cross-border intelligence and enforcement.
CBIC’s Mohan Kumar Singh took center stage, calling for a paradigm shift in enforcement. Move beyond one-off busts to dismantling entire networks, he urged, by zeroing in on money trails, supply chain facilitators, and transnational links that perpetuate smuggling rings.
‘Organized smuggling is now a sophisticated, technology-fueled assault on our sovereignty,’ Singh warned. He praised budget measures like AI-driven analytics for imagery and enhanced port scanning, alongside GST and customs tweaks to promote legitimacy over illegality.
Enforcement triumphs in the fiscal year’s opening quarters were celebrated: 500 kg gold, 150 million cigarette sticks, 20+ tons red sanders, 120 kg cocaine. Air cargo intercepts added 50 kg heroin, 350 kg amphetamines, and 3,700 kg synthetic cannabis.
Rajput’s vision positions February 11 as a beacon for global anti-smuggling resolve. As India leads by example, the world must follow to safeguard trade integrity and national interests.
