The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) marked a notable week with advancements in infrastructure, international engagement, and enforcement. The Union Finance Minister inaugurated the new CGST Bhawan in Ghaziabad, a state-of-the-art facility built for over ₹100 crore. The complex emphasizes sustainability, featuring a rooftop solar plant, rainwater harvesting, and a Five-Star GRIHA Rating, and is designed for enhanced administrative efficiency and taxpayer facilitation. The government has sanctioned over ₹1,300 crore for 11 CBIC construction projects in the last three years, reflecting a commitment to modern infrastructure. On the global front, Ms. Prajwala M. N., Additional Director (DRI), was elected as the Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) Working Group in Brussels, an election proposed by Japan and supported by numerous countries, underscoring India’s growing influence in international enforcement. Concurrently, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully dismantled a major narcotics manufacturing and distribution network operating across the Delhi-NCR. The multi-day operation led to the seizure of drugs and precursor chemicals, including 16.27 kg of Amphetamine and 7.9 kg of Cocaine, valued at approximately ₹110 crore in the illicit market, resulting in the apprehension of 26 foreign nationals and the syndicate’s main handler.
Weekly newsletter from Chairman, CBIC Dated 27th October, 2025
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
27th October, 2025
DO No. 43/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025
Dear Colleague,
The Hon’ble Union Finance Minister inaugurated the new CGST Bhawan at Ghaziabad, marking a significant milestone in CBIC’s infrastructure development journey. Built at a cost of over Rs. 100 crore, the state-of-the-art complex exemplifies efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, featuring a rooftop solar plant, rainwater harvesting system, sewage treatment plant, energy-efficient lighting, and other green features that earned it a Five-Star GRIHA Rating and the 2024 GRIHA Exemplary Performance Award for Passive Architecture. Designed to provide a modern, citizen-friendly workspace, the Bhawan includes a taxpayer facilitation centre, auditorium, library, gymnasium, yoga room, creche, and Divyang-friendly amenities. With the dedication of this Bhawan to the people, it opens new possibilities for better taxpayer facilitation and for enhanced administrative efficiency. Notably, 11 major CBIC construction projects, comprising both office and residential facilities, worth over Rs. 1,300 crore have been sanctioned in the past three financial years reflecting the Government’s steadfast commitment to modern infrastructure, sustainability, and service-oriented governance.
Moving from facilitation to enforcement, in a proud moment for India and the DRI, Ms. Prajwala M. N., Additional Director (DRI), has been elected as the Chair of the World Customs Organization Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) Working Group during the elections held on last week at the WCO Headquarters, Brussels. Her nomination, proposed by Japan and supported by several countries across regions – including Mali, Guatemala, Libya, Benin, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Norway, Guinea, Kosovo, Brazil, the European Union, and the Central African Republic – reflects the high regard for India’s constructive engagement and expertise in the global fight against counterfeiting and piracy. This achievement is a reflection of India’s growing leadership and active role in shaping international enforcement cooperation under the aegis of the WCO.
In a significant enforcement action underscoring the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s operational excellence, a major narcotics manufacturing and distribution network operating across Delhi-NCR was successfully dismantled through a coordinated multi-day operation last week. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers unearthed a clandestine facility in Greater Noida engaged in the manufacture of Methamphetamine, leading to the seizure of 11.40 kg of Amphetamine and over 110 kg of precursor chemicals. Simultaneous raids in Gurugram. and West Delhi resulted in further recoveries of Cocaine, Heroin, Ganja, Amphetamine, Methaqualone, and cash amounting to Rs. 37 lakh, suspected to be drug proceeds. In total, 16.27 kg of Amphetamine, 7.9 kg of Cocaine, 1.8 kg of Heroin, 2.13 kg of Ganja, and 115.42 kg of precursor chemicals valued at approximately Rs. 110 crore in the illicit drug market were seized, and 26 foreign nationals were apprehended. The main handler of the syndicate was also apprehended. Despite facing hostile conditions and security challenges, DRI officers, with the support of the Delhi Police, displayed remarkable courage, restraint, and professionalism. An outstanding operation – executed with clinical precision. Well done, team DRI!
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
