Every year for the past few years, the CBIC has been interdicting smuggling cases in the range of 17,000 crore to 22,000 crore. Apart from these are cases of export-import fraud involving evasion of Customs duties.
In the 2023-24 fiscal year (up to November 2023), as many as 4,040 cases of gold smuggling involving 2,984kg of the precious metal were registered. Former CBIC chairman Vivek Johri says illicit trade and smuggling not just adversely impact the economy, but threaten national security as well.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
Q/ There seems to have been a rise in gold smuggling. How worrisome is the trend?
A/ The number of seizures have increased in recent years. We have seen a variety of methods being deployed—body concealment, and attempts to smuggle gold as powder, paste and foil. After many years, seizures of gold have also been made near the coastline, pointing to the possibility of sea routes being used. The alertness of Indian law enforcement agencies has compelled gold smuggling syndicates to adopt new methods and strategies. Increased surveillance at international airports has forced a change of route from West Asia by air to land route—that is, through the land borders in the northeast.
Q/ There is a debate on whether the rise in gold import duty leads to more smuggling. Is there a pattern?
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?
India look to win their third straight Test series in Australia, but ageing superstars and recent humiliation at home have cast a shadow on their hopes
Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk
PEOPLE WITH CONSTIPATION have an increased risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, especially if they also have high blood pressure, finds an international study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.
Efficiency and innovation
As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills
Level up
Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries
Mind matters
Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability
Cutting edge
Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.
The smallest cut
Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon
Signalling a revolution
Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin
