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At the inauguration of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s (DRI) new headquarters in New Delhi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for the agency to shift its focus from apprehending low-level operatives to dismantling entire smuggling syndicates. She highlighted that merely catching the “small fry” does little to disrupt the broader operations of smuggling networks.
A Call for Comprehensive Enforcement
“The goal must be to dismantle the entire network and the syndicate, not just to intercept fragments,” FM Sitharaman stated, urging DRI officers to pursue the masterminds behind these illicit activities. She stressed the importance of holistic investigations that consider the bigger picture, leveraging all available data on entities and individuals to uncover systemic risks and threats.
FM also pointed out the increasing threat of narcotics smuggling, noting that drugs are infiltrating every state and even small towns. She called for better coordination between central agencies like the DRI and state law enforcement to address this growing concern effectively.
Emphasizing Intelligence and Coordination
The Finance Minister highlighted the vast amounts of intelligence data available to enforcement agencies and the necessity of acting on actionable information promptly. She identified a “grey area” in the coordination between central and state agencies, emphasizing that improved collaboration is essential for timely and effective enforcement actions.
FM Sitharaman outlined three key principles for effective enforcement: fair and consistent application of rules, swift detection of frauds, and the integration of modern technology into enforcement strategies. She encouraged DRI officers to view enforcement and facilitation not as opposing ends but as complementary aspects of a robust intelligence framework that supports honest trade.
The Finance Minister’s address serves as a directive for the DRI to enhance its operational strategies, focusing on intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and protect India’s economic security.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.
