Govt Plans Overhaul Of Smuggling Intelligence Network Amid High-Profile Seizures | Exclusive
To facilitate easier input sharing, agencies will have a dedicated space to access state-specific smuggling-related intelligence, which will be shared with selected financial and other intelligence agencies
Amidst a series of high-profile busts targeting gold and drug smuggling rackets, Indian intelligence agencies will soon have a dedicated input-sharing and coordination system to enhance intelligence-based operations.
To combat increasing threats, the Union government has planned a comprehensive overhaul of its drug and gold smuggling intelligence-gathering network. The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) is likely to introduce a standalone input-sharing mechanism and storage facility within the existing system, enabling real-time intelligence sharing among agencies. The government is planning to have periodical weekly or monthly intelligence agency meetings, along with larger biannual meetings involving all central law enforcement agencies to improve coordination and operational efficiency, a top-level official aware of the development told News18.
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According to sources, changes have been planned in the Multi-Agency Centre’s system. To facilitate easier input sharing, agencies will have a dedicated space to access state-specific smuggling-related intelligence, which will be shared with selected financial and other intelligence agencies.
Recent seizures of large quantities of narcotics and gold highlight the government’s intensified efforts to dismantle smuggling rings operating across the country.
In a recent meeting with senior officials from various intelligence agencies, it was proposed to implement an improved input-sharing system alongside other databases. The meeting was convened following the arrest of actor Ranya Rao, who was caught with a large quantity of gold. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) suspects a larger conspiracy behind the case. In another case, 88 kilograms of gold were recovered from a flat in Gujarat after the Rao case.
Beyond gold smuggling, intelligence-gathering systems will be strengthened, and real-time sharing will be introduced to enhance coordination between intelligence and law enforcement agencies. The government’s four-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism has proven effective in enabling intelligence and operational coordination between central and state drug enforcement agencies.
Efforts to generate intelligence will be intensified, with a particular focus on smuggling through Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal—states where large-scale smuggling activities have been observed. Since Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata airports remain key hubs for gold smuggling, with syndicates employing innovative methods to evade customs and law enforcement, the government is planning to introduce intelligence-sharing measures, including modus operandi databases, to assist agencies on the ground.
Additionally, to enhance vigilance at strategic entry points, container scanners have been installed at all of India’s major ports. These advanced technologies will be used to detect and deter sea-borne narcotics trafficking and clandestine gold smuggling.
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