Pursue full-scale enforcement on suspected violations: Foreign Ministry to Drug Regulatory Agency
FM Nirmala Sitharaman urged the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to tackle trade crimes with a focus on full smuggling chain investigations, employing AI and data tools, and addressing drug threats in educational institutions. Her message emphasized a comprehensive enforcement strategy, collaboration, and tech-driven tactics to combat illicit trade and bolster national security.
On Tuesday, Sitharaman addressed DRI personnel, encouraging them to adopt a holistic approach to investigations, with the goal of dismantling entire networks and syndicates, rather than merely intercepting fragments of illicit activities.
"Don't just chase isolated infractions; keep the big picture in focus," she advised. "Investigate holistically, integrating all available information and data to uncover latent dots and unmask systemic risks."
Digital technology and AI are at the heart of the DRI's modernization efforts. Sitharaman highlighted the need for the agency to leverage technology, data analytics, and AI to enhance their enforcement capabilities and level the playing field for legitimate trade actors. This emphasis on technology corruption, cross-border e-commerce, the dark web, cryptocurrency misuse, synthetic drugs, and misuse of digital platforms.
Shrivastava, the revenue secretary, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of data-driven intelligence and the use of advanced technological tools in tackling emerging threats. He encouraged DRI personnel to dedicate resources to evaluating these threats, as modern crime requires a forward-thinking response.
In 2024, the DRI made significant strides in combating illicit activities, seizing 1,382 kg of gold, 62 kg of heroin, 85 kg of cocaine, over 10,000 kg of ganja, and more than 600 kg of synthetic drugs, including ketamine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. These seizures led to the arrest of key syndicate members and the dismantling of numerous networks.
As the DRI continues its efforts to safeguard India's economic frontiers, the integration of technology and a holistic, data-driven approach will play a crucial role in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of illicit trade.
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) should leverage technology and AI to combat the misuse of digital platforms, cross-border e-commerce, cryptocurrency, synthetic drugs, and the dark web in their investigations.
- In line with FM Nirmala Sitharaman's call for a holistic approach, DRI personnel should integrate all available data and information to uncover systemic risks and understand the full scope of illicit trade activities.
- To maintain national security and bolster legitimate trade, DRI should employ tech-driven tactics and data analytics to enhance their enforcement capabilities and address emerging threats such as fraud, crime, and corruption in the finance, economy, market, and general news sectors.
- In the future, DRI's success in combating crime will greatly benefit from the application of data-driven intelligence and cloud computing in their investigations, as these technologies enable comprehensive analysis and the identification of broader patterns.
- With the increasing reliance on technology in illicit activities, the DRI must remain vigilant in monitoring the finance, defi, crypto, and finance sectors to uncover and disrupt crime networks that use these channels for nefarious purposes.
