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Globalization has accelerated the cross-border movement of goods, people and capital, increasing vulnerabilities in open supply chains. Indian Customs and DRI are now at the frontline of national economic and security enforcement, interdicting narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, hazardous materials and dual-use goods that threaten consumer safety and financial stability.
Drug trafficking evolves into synthetic, darknet-powered networks
DRI’s anti-narcotics operations intensified with 134 major NDPS seizures in FY 24-25, in which 11,112 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were recovered. The seizure included 66.42 kg of cocaine, 22.85 kg of heroin, 198.42 kg of methamphetamine, 198.44 kg of mephedrone and 8,952.72 kg of ganja. Three illegal drug manufacturing units were also busted.
Authorities point to a notable shift in trafficking patterns toward new psychoactive substances (NPS), encrypted darknet-based distribution, synthetic drug labs, liquid cocaine, fentanyl precursors and concealment in luggage or on the body. These changes demonstrate how syndicates are taking advantage of global logistics networks to avoid detection.
Gold smuggling remains a persistent threat despite duty cuts
India’s high dependence on imported gold continues to attract organized smuggling syndicates. Although the government’s 2024 customs duty cut has reduced volumes, geopolitical uncertainty and global bullion demand have kept illicit flows high.
DRI made 221 seizures in FY 24-25, recovering 1,073 kg of gold worth about ₹785 crore. Smuggling remained active in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and West Bengal, with smugglers increasingly using gold paste, land routes and domestic flight networks to move consignments.
Wildlife trafficking adapts with exotic species and sophisticated concealment
India’s biodiversity – about 8% of the world’s flora and fauna – is facing pressure from wildlife trafficking networks. In FY 24-25, the DRI seized 38 pieces of wildlife, ranging from red sandalwood to exotic reptiles smuggled from Southeast Asia.
The methodology is shifting toward smaller luggage consignments, personal carriers and sophisticated cargo concealment – including red sanders hidden behind granite slabs and turtles packed under fish boxes.
The scope and complexity of commercial fraud is increasing
Along with physical smuggling, DRI is facing an increase in sophisticated commercial fraud due to India’s growing trade influence. The agency registered 542 import fraud cases involving duty evasion worth Rs 2,606 crore and 63 export fraud cases involving Rs 123 crore in fake incentives.
The increase in counterfeit and substandard goods has also led to increased enforcement. Major seizures in FY24-25 include 4,613 MT of smuggled betel nut worth ₹234 crore, 122 MT of poppy seeds worth ₹22.28 crore, and 9.4 crore cigarette sticks worth ₹158.46 crore – underscoring the risk to public health, fair competition and consumer safety.
Crypto-enabled illicit finance has emerged as a new frontier
The rise of cryptocurrencies has added a new layer of complexity to illicit trade finance. DRI says the use of digital assets is increasing in drug trafficking and gold smuggling, replacing or complementing the traditional hawala network.
The agency is investing in blockchain analytics, digital forensics and coordinated intelligence sharing to detect crypto-linked illicit financial flows and protect the integrity of India’s business ecosystem.
Indian Customs has expanded enforcement footprint across the country
Across India, enforcement actions increased in FY 24-25, with Customs reporting:
- 3,005 gold smuggling cases, 2,600 kg seized, 533 arrests
- 379 narcotics seized, 37,100 kg recovered, worth ₹2,212 crore, 254 arrests
- 55 cases of wildlife trafficking, 28 arrests
- 266 cases of cigarette smuggling, 13.02 crore sticks worth ₹222 crore seized
- 3,780 cases of commercial fraud, duty evasion and fraudulent export claims worth ₹4,216 crore detected
a broader national security role
As global crime networks become more agile, the scope of DRI has expanded from border enforcement to broader national security work – including economic security, public health, and environmental protection.
With deeper global cooperation through 45 agreements and MOUs with over 85 foreign administrations and greater reliance on analysis and intelligence, DRI is positioning itself to counter rapidly evolving global threats.