Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

Recently, as part of its ongoing pan-India initiative "Operation Weed Out", the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully seized 39.2 kg of hydroponic weed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. This operation reflects the agency's continued efforts in curbing drug trafficking and smuggling activities across the country.

About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)

• Constitution: Established in 1957, DRI is the apex anti-smuggling intelligence and investigation agency of India.

• Functioning: It operates under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which is part of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

• Primary Responsibility: DRI is tasked with enforcing the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and over 50 other allied acts, including the Arms Act, NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act), COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities), Wildlife Protection Act, and the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, among others.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of DRI

1. Anti-Smuggling Operations:

   • DRI is responsible for detecting and curbing the smuggling of contraband, including drug trafficking and illicit international trade in wildlife and environmentally sensitive items.

2. Combatting Commercial Frauds:

   • It investigates and curbs commercial frauds related to international trade, especially evasion of customs duty.

3. Country-wide Network:

   • DRI operates a pan-India network of zonal, regional, and sub-regional units, as well as intelligence cells that are instrumental in tracking smuggling activities and contraband movements.

4. Intelligence Collection and Dissemination:

   • It collects, analyzes, and disseminates intelligence to its field formations and helps in investigations. It also monitors the trends of smuggling and provides recommendations for fixing loopholes in laws and procedures related to customs.

5. S-CORD - National Anti-Smuggling Coordination Centre:

   • DRI has been designated as the lead agency for S-CORD, the national anti-smuggling coordination centre, which facilitates the coordination of smuggling-related intelligence across different agencies and states.

6. International Collaboration:

   • DRI is at the forefront of international collaboration through Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements (CMAA) with over 60 countries, enabling information exchange and the adoption of best practices in customs administration.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) plays a crucial role in safeguarding India's national interests by tackling smuggling, drug trafficking, and related criminal activities. Its "Operation Weed Out" highlights its continued commitment to combating illicit trade, and its collaboration with international customs agencies strengthens its ability to address cross-border smuggling operations effectively.