Punjab’s Special Director General of Police, Amardeep Singh Rai, emphasized the significant impact of illicit trade on the economy and society. He highlighted the threats posed by counterfeiting and smuggling to legitimate businesses, government revenues, and consumer safety. Rai stressed the need for strong enforcement measures, continuous training, and collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to combat these challenges effectively.
At a session organized by FICCI-CASCADE in Phillaur, Secretary (Jails) Mohammed Tayyab underscored the importance of institutional readiness in tackling economic offenses. He noted the growing sophistication of illicit trade networks and emphasized the importance of equipping enforcement agencies with the necessary skills and tools to detect and prevent such crimes. Tayyab highlighted the role of capacity-building initiatives in enhancing preparedness.
Additional Secretary (Home) Ankurjeet Singh discussed the evolving nature of counterfeiting and smuggling, linking them to organized criminal activities. He emphasized the need for intelligence-led policing, inter-agency cooperation, and awareness of emerging trends in illicit trade for effective enforcement. Singh highlighted the critical role of frontline officers in protecting the economy and citizens from the harmful effects of counterfeit goods.
Deep Chand, Advisor at FICCI-CASCADE and former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, expressed concerns about the detrimental impact of illicit trade on businesses and law enforcement. He pointed out how counterfeiting and smuggling disrupt fair market competition, reduce government revenues, and endanger consumers with unsafe products. Chand affirmed FICCI-CASCADE’s commitment to collaborating with enforcement agencies and policymakers to raise awareness and enhance institutional capacity in addressing these challenges.
FICCI-CASCADE’s efforts in partnership with government bodies, enforcement agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society aim to raise awareness about the negative consequences of illicit trade and strengthen enforcement capabilities nationwide.
