FICCI CASCADE hold capacity building programme for Delhi Police

New Delhi, March 26

The FICCI CASCADE held a capacity building programme for the personnel of Delhi Police at the Delhi Police Academy. 

Additional Commissioner of Police and Joint Director, Delhi Police Academy, said, “Illicit activities such as counterfeiting and smuggling pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies. As police officers, we must recognize the prevalence of counterfeit and smuggled goods, which are widely available in the market. These unlawful practices have a profound impact on the social, mental, and overall well-being of citizens.”

Addressing the FICCI CASCADE’s Capacity Building Programme Empowers Police Officers to Prevent Counterfeiting and Smuggling and highlighting the importance of law enforcement’s role in society, Mr. Ali emphasized, “As police officers, we must empathize with victims by stepping into their shoes to truly understand their suffering. It is our duty to recognize every cognizable offense, uphold both moral and legal responsibilities, and take appropriate legal action against offenders."

Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, said, “Counterfeiting and smuggling have several detrimental effects. They result in significant losses for legitimate businesses, erode consumer trust, and deprive the nation of crucial revenue, thereby hindering overall growth and development. Moreover, the associated health risks of counterfeit products are a grave concern, posing a direct threat to the well-being of the public.”

As per the report by FICCI CASCADE titled “Challenging Landscape of Illicit Trade: How Changing Factors of Consumption Affect Illicit Markets in 5 Key Industries in India”, the size of illicit market in the five key sectors- FMCG packaged goods, personal and household care, alcohol, tobacco, and textiles & apparel has been estimated at about Rs. 7.97 lakh crore. The report highlights that the illicit market size for textiles and apparel stands at Rs 4,03,915 crore, accounting for over 50 percent of the total illicit trade. Additionally, illicit markets for - FMCG (Packaged foods) and FMCG (Personal and Household Care Goods are estimated at Rs 2,23,875 crore and Rs 73,813 crore, respectively.

The report highlighted that illicit trade is undermining legitimate businesses, distorting market competition, and significantly reducing the government’s tax revenues in the five mentioned sectors. The impact of illicit trade is particularly severe in industries historically subjected to higher tax regimes, such as tobacco and alcohol. In the tobacco sector, over 50 percent of the illicit market can be attributed to punitive taxes, while for alcohol, this figure stands at 46 percent.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 450 officers in Delhi equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge to address the adverse impacts of counterfeiting and smuggling.