Check rising instances of cocaine smuggling into India: FM to DRI

Pointing out that cocaine smuggling into India is on the rise, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to study the matter closely. Speaking at the DRI day event on Monday, Sitharaman said, “Large quantity of cocaine has started coming into the country. Is it because India is no longer a transit country for the smuggler? Is it because India is now a consumer country that you have the paths for such things to come into the country which has not had a recorded history of the level of cocaine smuggling visible now.”

“Is there a cause and effect relationship as it is no longer a transit country and a consuming country? It will help more if we study what triggers cocaine smuggling to this extent. A greater cause and effect relationship would help,” Sitharaman added. It may be noted that in FY22, the DRI seized 3400 kg of heroine, 300 kg of cocaine, and 3000 kgs of cannabis along with other drugs.