The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) is organizing a nationwide drug awareness campaign from August 15-16, 2025, to address the public health challenge of drug abuse. The campaign aims to educate the public, promote prevention, and encourage community engagement. In enforcement news, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Gandhidham seized 47 containers of rock salt at Mundra and Kandla ports. The goods were falsely declared as originating from Iran to conceal their Pakistani origin, violating India’s Foreign Trade Policy. Separately, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) in Pune exposed a significant tax evasion case involving an online money gaming company. Investigations revealed a substantial suppression of taxable turnover, leading to the arrest of the company’s directors and the provisional attachment of 22 bank accounts. The newsletter also recognized Ms. Pincky Balhara, a Havaldar in CGST Delhi, for winning a bronze medal at the Asian Kurash Senior Championship in South Korea.
CBIC Chairman Newsletter dated August 11, 2025
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
DO No. 32/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025 August 11, 2025
Dear Colleague,
Drug abuse remains one of the most pressing public health challenges, posing grave risks to the well-being and future of our nation. In line with the directions of the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, a Nationwide Drug Awareness Campaign is being organised on 15-16 August 2025 to raise awareness about the menace of drugs and mobilise community support for drug control. All field formations are urged to actively participate in letter and spirit to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse, promote prevention among vulnerable groups, and engage with communities through partnerships to amplify the campaign’s reach and impact. A coordinated and committed effort will go a long way in shaping informed attitudes, encouraging prevention, and building a drug-free society.
Last week witnessed two major enforcement actions that deserve special mention. On the Customs side, the officers of DRI Gandhidham Regional Unit, intercepted 47 containers of rock salt imported at Mundra and Kandla Ports from UAE, which were mis-declared as of Iranian origin to conceal their actual origin from Pakistan. Detailed investigation revealed that the consignments, weighing 1,311 MT and valued at about Rs. 1.6 crore, were in fact Khewra pink rock salt registered as a Geographical Indication of Pakistan – intentionally routed through the UAE in violation of the Foreign Trade Policy which currently prohibits direct or indirect imports from Pakistan. The investigations into similar past imports by the same entities are underway, with potential duty evasion to be much higher. Commendations to the team for their effective and targeted intervention!
On the GST front, the DGGI Pune Zonal Unit uncovered a major case of tax evasion by an entity involved in online money gaming activities. Investigations revealed massive suppression of taxable turnover, with bank records showing pay-in transactions involving GST of about Rs. 38 crore, against a declared liability of only Rs. 47 lakh in GST returns. Coordinated searches at multiple locations in Nasik and Kopergaon led to the recovery of incriminating electronic evidence, including laptops and mobile devices, and the provisional attachment of 22 bank accounts linked to the operations. Both directors of the company have also been arrested. First-rate action by DGGI Pune in complex and emerging online gaming sector!
It gives me immense satisfaction to share that Ms. Pincky Balhara, Havaldar posted in CGST Delhi West Commissionerate, has brought laurels to the nation and the department by winning the Bronze Medal at the 14th Asian Kurash Senior Championship 2025 held in Goesan, South Korea. Such personal milestones, achieved alongside the demands of professional duty, are a testament to the officer’s focus, grit, and determination. Her success not only reflects individual excellence but also kindles a spirit among her peers to pursue both professional and personal aspirations with equal passion and dedication.
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
