Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Safeguarding the Nation’s Economic and Security Frontiers

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the apex anti-smuggling agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. For over six decades, DRI has been at the forefront of protecting India’s borders, ensuring public safety, and combating smuggling across land, air, and sea.

Mandate and Powers

Empowered under the Customs Act, 1962, DRI is tasked with preventing smuggling, including trade-based money laundering. It is also empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, to combat narcotics trafficking.

In addition, DRI acts under over fifty allied statutes, including:

• The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005
• The Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000
• The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)
• The Arms Act, 1959
• The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972
• The Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, among others

DRI also ensures India’s compliance with international conventions such as those under the UN Security Council, CITES, and other global environmental and trade-related instruments. It collaborates in global enforcement operations with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and INTERPOL.

Evolution and Modernization

Since its inception in 1957, DRI has continually evolved to meet new challenges posed by global trade, technology, and emerging threats. It employs scientific tools such as data analytics, data mining, and digital forensics to strengthen its intelligence and investigations.

DRI works closely with intelligence and security agencies under the Cabinet Secretariat and the Ministries of Home, Defence, and Finance, along with border guarding forces, to conduct coordinated anti-smuggling operations. As a member of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for National Security, it contributes to intelligence related to national security and terrorism.

Combating Smuggling and Economic Offences

Over the years, DRI has detected numerous cases of arms and ammunition smuggling, narcotics, fake currency, strategic goods used for weapons of mass destruction, and environmental crimes.

It has also intercepted smuggling cases involving gold, diamonds, cigarettes, wildlife, and counterfeit goods. As the nodal anti-smuggling agency, DRI heads the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) and publishes the annual “Smuggling in India Report”, documenting enforcement cases across agencies.

In recognition of its commitment to curbing illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods and ozone-depleting substances, DRI received the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Award in 2014.

Major Achievements

One of DRI’s landmark achievements was the 2016 seizure of 23.5 metric tonnes of Methaqualone (Mandrax) tablets from a clandestine factory in Rajasthan — one of the largest seizures of its kind in the world.

DRI has also been instrumental in assisting the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Black Money and the Task Force on Shell Companies, unearthing large-scale illicit fund transfers and trade-based money laundering operations.

International Cooperation

Representing Indian Customs globally, DRI maintains close liaison with foreign customs administrations and international agencies such as WCO, UNODC, and INTERPOL.

India has entered into 31 Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements, covering 62 customs administrations. DRI leads India’s delegations at Director General-level talks with counterparts from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and BRICS nations.

Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage

DRI has played a vital role in protecting India’s cultural and historical heritage by preventing the smuggling of antiquities and art treasures. Many invaluable artifacts seized by DRI have been successfully repatriated to India, including pieces returned by the Governments of the USA and Australia to the Prime Minister of India.

Commitment and Sacrifice

In the line of duty, several DRI officers have made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives or suffering grave injuries while combating organized crime syndicates, smugglers, and drug mafias.

Their valor and dedication have been recognized by the Government of India through prestigious honors, including the Kirti Chakra, Presidential Awards, and DRI Martyrs’ Medals.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

To honor the unwavering service, courage, and dedication of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Department of Posts is proud to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp celebrating DRI’s legacy of vigilance and integrity in protecting the nation’s economic sovereignty and security.