The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), India’s primary anti-smuggling agency, has reported a significant increase in the seizures of narcotics, contraband cigarettes, and illicit foreign currency over the past year. These developments, outlined in the DRI’s latest Smuggling in India report, highlight the growing sophistication of smuggling networks and the evolving challenges faced by enforcement agencies. While the agency has achieved notable successes in intercepting smuggled goods, the scale and scope of these operations continue to expand.
Cocaine and Methamphetamine Seizures on the Rise
Among the most alarming trends is the spike in cocaine smuggling. In FY24, DRI conducted 47 seizures of cocaine worth ₹975 crore, a dramatic increase from the previous year. The quantity of cocaine smuggled into India rose by 9% to 107 kg, with most of it being trafficked through airports.
Methamphetamine smuggling has also seen a sharp rise, particularly in northeastern states such as Assam and Mizoram. The DRI seized 136 kg of methamphetamine in FY24, and the first half of FY25 alone recorded 123 kg seized across 11 cases. This uptick highlights the northeast region’s vulnerability as a transit route for drug traffickers, making it a focal point for future enforcement efforts.
Contraband Cigarettes: A Growing Concern
The illicit trade of cigarettes continues to pose significant challenges. Free Trade Warehousing Zones in the Middle East, especially Dubai, have become major transit hubs for smuggling contraband cigarettes from Southeast Asia to India. During the first half of FY25, the DRI seized 3.95 crore sticks of contraband cigarettes, a 19% increase compared to the same period in FY24.
In FY24, the agency seized a total of 9.1 crore sticks valued at ₹179 crore. While the majority of these goods were smuggled via sea routes, land routes and border crossings with Myanmar also played a crucial role. The bulletin emphasizes that shipments are often rerouted through Dubai before arriving in India, making the enforcement landscape increasingly complex.
Illicit Currency and Money Laundering
Another area of concern is the rise in illicit foreign currency seizures. During the first half of FY25, the DRI confiscated ₹13.8 crore in foreign currency, surpassing the ₹12.4 crore seized during the entire FY24. A significant trade-based money laundering (TBML) racket involving ₹576 crore was also uncovered, where cheap electrical goods and cosmetics were imported at inflated prices to channel foreign exchange out of the country.
Gold Smuggling: A Shift in Tactics
While the overall quantity of gold seized by the DRI dipped slightly in FY24 to 1,319 kg from 1,450 kg in FY23, the methods used by smuggling syndicates have become more sophisticated. Approximately 55% of gold smuggling cases involved land routes from neighboring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal, while air routes accounted for 36%. Increasingly, smugglers are employing “mules” with diverse profiles, including foreign nationals and even entire families.
One of the most notable cases occurred in July, when the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) seized 108 kg of gold being transported by porters in eastern Ladakh. The investigation, handed over to the DRI, led to the arrest of 10 individuals involved in the operation. The report highlights that collusion between airport staff and smuggling syndicates at international departure gates has become a growing concern.
Shifting Trends in Narcotics
The DRI’s report reveals contrasting trends in the smuggling of narcotics. While cocaine seizures have surged, the quantity of heroin and ganja confiscated has shown a decline. In FY24, the agency booked 109 cases involving 8,224 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This included 107 kg of cocaine worth ₹975 crore, 49 kg of heroin valued at ₹365 crore, 236 kg of mephedrone worth ₹357 crore, and 136 kg of methamphetamine valued at ₹275 crore.
Wildlife Smuggling: A Persistent Issue
Wildlife trafficking remains a pressing issue, with several high-profile seizures reported in FY24. The DRI confiscated 53.5 kg of elephant tusks in five separate operations, along with leopard skins, live pangolins, pangolin scales, parakeets, peacock feathers, and Indian turtles. A major crackdown in the Gangetic plains resulted in the rescue of 643 turtles, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating wildlife crimes.
With the 2023 amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act empowering customs officers to seize illegally traded wildlife, enforcement efforts are expected to intensify.
Challenges Ahead: Balancing Enforcement and Strategy
The report underscores the increasing complexity of smuggling operations, driven by sophisticated networks and diverse methods of concealment. The rise in contraband cigarette smuggling through sea routes, the use of land routes for gold, and the northeast’s emergence as a drug trafficking hub highlight the need for adaptive enforcement strategies.
The DRI’s success in intercepting ₹975 crore worth of cocaine, dismantling a ₹576 crore money laundering racket, and rescuing endangered wildlife demonstrates the agency’s multifaceted approach. However, the challenges of international collusion, evolving smuggling tactics, and limited resources require continuous innovation and collaboration.
India’s fight against smuggling is a testament to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s vigilance and adaptability. While the agency has achieved significant milestones in tackling contraband, narcotics, and illicit currency, the report serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of smuggling networks. Strengthening inter-agency coordination, leveraging technology, and maintaining international partnerships will be crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring the nation’s security and economic integrity.