DRI Must Act On Actionable Intelligence, Not Just Small Offenders: Nirmala Sitharaman

Sitharaman stressed the importance of differentiating between actionable intelligence and routine data dumps, referring to this distinction as a “grey area” that needs sharper clarity

Sitharaman also underlined the role of technology and international cooperation in modern enforcement efforts

Source : PTI

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday urged the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to intensify its crackdown on smuggling networks by targeting the masterminds behind such syndicates rather than just peripheral offenders. She stressed the need for tighter collaboration between central agencies and state law enforcement to effectively dismantle these illicit operations.

Speaking at the inauguration of the DRI’s new headquarters, Sitharaman described narcotics as the “biggest threat” facing the nation today, with schools and colleges as primary victims. She underscored the urgency of stepping up action against drug trafficking, pointing out that the DRI must lead the effort, closely working with state police to intercept the growing drug menace.

Intelligence Must Be Swift And Holistic

Calling for more strategic use of data, the Finance Minister asked revenue intelligence officers to go beyond isolated cases and focus on the broader picture.
“Leverage all available information and data on an entity, on an individual, and their behavioural patterns to uncover deeper systemic risks and threats by connecting latent dots,” she said. The ultimate goal, she added, should be the complete dismantling of smuggling networks.

Sitharaman emphasized the importance of differentiating between actionable intelligence and routine data dumps, referring to this distinction as a “grey area” that needs sharper clarity and quicker decision-making by enforcement agencies.

Tangible Results Needed In The Fight Against Smuggling

While appreciating the DRI’s past successes—including the seizure of 1,382 kg of gold and arrests of major syndicate members—Sitharaman insisted that more must be done to trace entire smuggling chains. “No good if you catch the small fish... The bigger ones are the ones who are not being touched by many of our actions,” she said.

In 2024, DRI made significant seizures across various drug categories, including 62 kg of heroin, 85 kg of cocaine, over 10,000 kg of ganja, and more than 600 kg of synthetic drugs like Methamphetamine, Ketamine, and Ecstasy.

Need For Technological Integration And International Collaboration

Sitharaman also underlined the role of technology and international cooperation in modern enforcement efforts. She described DRI as a “bulwark” of India’s national security and emphasized the need for deeper integration of modern tools and cross-border partnerships.

She laid out three key imperatives for enforcement: consistent application of rules, holistic investigation strategies, and fairness grounded in ethical principles.
“Do not view enforcement and facilitation as opposing ends of the spectrum. A robust intelligence framework is essential not just to catch wrongdoers but to ensure a level playing field for honest trade,” she said.