— SEMINAR AIMED AT EQUIPPING POLICE OFFICERS WITH LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL TOOLS TO TACKLE ILLICIT TRADE
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, June 13:
Reinforcing the commitment to upgrading it’s enforcement capabilities against organised economic crimes as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police, in collaboration with FICCI CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy), organised a half-day capacity building programme for police officers.
The training seminar, held on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, was attended by a total of 60 police officers from across the state.
Special Director General of Police (Traffic and Road Safety) Punjab Amardeep Singh Rai, while formally inaugurating the programme, stressed the growing complexity of illicit trade and the urgent need for proactive enforcement. He highlighted that counterfeiting and smuggling not only undermine legitimate businesses and government revenues but also threaten consumer safety and fuel illegal networks.
Addressing the session, Additional Secretary Home Affairs Punjab Ankurjeet Singh stressed the growing complexity of illicit trade and emphasised the urgent need for proactive enforcement by police personnel.
Echoing this sentiment, Secretary Jails Department Mohammad Tayyab highlighted the critical importance of continuous police vigilance in effectively enforcing the laws of the land against economic offences.
Sharing expert insights, Former Special Commissioner of Police, Delhi, and Advisor to FICCI CASCADE Deep Chand discussed the severe economic and social consequences of counterfeiting and smuggling. He provided a detailed overview of the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, specifically guiding officers on utilising the Trademarks Act, 1999, the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Highlighting industry perspectives, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at ITC Ashish Paul focused on the rampant counterfeiting and smuggling of cigarettes. He drew attention to the resulting massive revenue loss to the government, infringement of trademarks, and erosion of consumer trust.
Noting that funds generated from smuggling are sometimes routed to finance terrorist activities, he called for stronger collaboration between government authorities and private intelligence agencies, alongside harsher punishments and expedited prosecution.
To ensure robust field implementation, Advocate at the High Court of Delhi Dr Rishi Kulshreshth apprised the participating officers of the precise legal and procedural requirements that must be followed during investigations. He emphasised that meticulous procedural compliance is essential to successfully bring culprits of counterfeiting and smuggling to book.
