Mysore: Counterfeiting and smuggling has developed a substantial threat to the economy and there is conclusive evidence of the increasing involvement of terror organizations in funding such illicit trade activities. There are adequate laws available, but enforcement of the laws makes the role of police officers even more important in the fight against counterfeiters and smugglers.
This was stated by Anupam Agarwal, Director, Karnataka Police Academy, while addressing ‘Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling’ organized by FICCI’s Committee against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE). He said: “To meet the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making the Indian economy a $ 5 trillion economy, all stakeholders like FICCI, police and industry need to work together more closely.”
Agarwal said that the loss of revenue to the government due to counterfeiting and smuggling has a direct impact on spending on welfare measures such as health care and education. “Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency in our country and should play a significant role in ensuring that proactive and collaborative actions are taken against illicit players to protect the consumer’s health, life and safety,” he added.
Pradeep Dixit, Vice President, Industry Affairs, ITC Ltd, stated that India is the 4th largest and fastest growing market for smuggling of illegal cigarettes, which calls for heightened awareness and sensitization of people in the society. Nitin Saluja, Senior Policy Manager, Customer Trust, Amazon India, said, “Amazon has introduced several initiatives and has put in resources to help customers enjoy the benefits of online shopping.”
FICCI CASCADE has been over the years working closely with government, industry, enforcement officials, legal fraternity, consumer organizations and the youth to create awareness on the adverse impact of the problem of counterfeiting and smuggling. Among other activities, FICCI CASCADE has been regularly engaging with law enforcement agencies including police, customs and paramilitary organizations engaged in border protection in sensitizing them on the gravity of the problem. /BI/
