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Key Points

Multiple Indian agencies are joining forces to strengthen the country's anti-smuggling framework. The National Anti-Smuggling Coordination Centre brings together 21 different organizations under one platform. This initiative enables better monitoring of smuggling trends and coordinated operational responses. The government is taking a comprehensive approach that includes breaking supply chains while reducing demand through humane methods.

Key Points: India Boosts Anti-Smuggling Efforts with 21 Agency Coordination

  • 21 diverse agencies including border forces and intelligence units coordinate efforts
  • Enhanced real-time information sharing to monitor evolving smuggling trends
  • Coordinated operational responses to protect economic and border security
  • Three-pronged approach targeting supply chains and demand reduction
2 min read

Centre doubles down on strengthening India's anti-smuggling efforts

21 agencies including border forces and intelligence units coordinate to strengthen India's anti-smuggling framework through enhanced information sharing and operational responses.

"a ruthless approach to break supply chains, a strategic approach to reduce demand, and a humane approach to harm reduction - Amit Shah"

New Delhi, Oct 11

Leading financial and intelligence agencies and border guarding forces deliberated upon strengthening India’s anti-smuggling efforts, according to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on Saturday.

The discussions took place during the second meeting of the National Anti-Smuggling Coordination Centre (S-CORD) at the Directorate of Revenue intelligence (DRI) headquarters, CBIC said in an X post.

Participants from 21 diverse agencies attended the meeting, including Border Guarding forces like SSB, ITBP, BSF, AR, CISF, CRPF, and the Indian Coast Guard, as well as key financial and intelligence agencies such as ED, CEIB, FIU, CBI, IB and Cabinet Secretariat, along with representatives from CBDT, DPIIT, ASI, WCCB, CDSCO, Indian Railways, and the D&ISA Division of MEA.

Constituted after the directions of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the first S-CORD meeting was held in April 2019.

S-CORD is a unique platform that brings together a wide array of stakeholders under one umbrella to strengthen India’s anti-smuggling efforts.

It enables closer monitoring of evolving smuggling trends; enhanced real-time information sharing; coordinated, agile operational responses; and unified approach to protect India's economic and border security, according to the CBIC post.

Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked the anti-narcotics task forces (ANTFs) of the states and union territories, as well as the central agencies, to scale up the action against drug trafficking.

HM Shah also launched the Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) Online Drug Disposal Campaign which destroyed 1.37 lakh kg of narcotics valued at Rs 4,800 crore at 11 locations across the country.

Addressing ANTF chiefs, HM Shah said the PM Modi government is adopting a three-pronged approach — “a ruthless approach to break supply chains, a strategic approach to reduce demand, and a humane approach to harm reduction”.

He stressed that the fight must expand beyond targeting small peddlers to dismantling cartels at entry points, interstate distribution, and local sale networks.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative but implementation is key. We've seen many such meetings before. Hope this doesn't remain just on paper. The destruction of narcotics worth ₹4800 crore shows they mean business though! 💪
A
Arjun K
As someone living near the border, I can tell you smuggling is a real problem affecting local communities. Glad to see all border forces working together. This coordination was long overdue.
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Sarah B
The three-pronged approach makes sense - breaking supply chains, reducing demand, and harm reduction. This shows thoughtful policy making rather than just reactive measures. Well done!
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the effort, I hope this doesn't become another bureaucratic exercise. We need to see actual seizures and arrests. The focus should be on catching the big fish, not just small peddlers.
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Michael C
Real-time information sharing between agencies could be a game changer. Often smugglers exploit gaps between different departments. This unified platform might finally close those loopholes.
A
Ananya R
The narcotics destruction campaign is impressive! 1.37 lakh kg of drugs destroyed shows serious commitment. Hope this sends a strong message to drug cartels operating in our country. 🙏

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