On September 2, 2024, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), emphasized the importance of Land Customs Stations (LCSs) in facilitating India’s cross-border trade. With 122 LCSs across 16 states, these stations are vital for the movement of goods and passengers between India and neighboring countries. Upgrades to 12 LCSs into Integrated Check Posts have further streamlined cross-border trade, while 7 are designated as Border Haats to preserve traditional trade practices. The 4th Land Customs Conference, held in New Delhi, addressed various aspects of LCS operations, including inter-agency coordination, infrastructure development, risk management, and digitization. A significant focus was on promoting gender inclusivity in trade, highlighting the increasing role of women in the global supply chain.
In a major success against drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Agartala Regional Unit, with support from Assam Rifles, intercepted a consignment of 12 kgs of methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs. 12 crores. This operation on the Khowai-Agartala road led to the arrest of an individual under the NDPS Act and contributed to the over 100 kgs of methamphetamine seized by DRI Guwahati in the current financial year. The department also bid farewell to two esteemed members, Ms. Bandhana Deori and Sh. M. Srihari Rao, wishing them well in their future endeavors.
Sanjay Kumar Agarwal
Chairman
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
02nd September, 2024
DO No. 36/News Letter/CH(IC)/2024
Dear Colleague,
Land Customs Stations (LCSs) serve as critical gateways for India’s cross-border trade, playing a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of goods and passengers between India and its neighbouring countries. With a network of 122 strategically located LCSs across 16 States, encompassing land border crossings, railway stations, and river ports, CBIC has created a robust framework for regional economic cooperation by ensuring smooth trade operations. Notably, 12 of these LCSs have been upgraded to Integrated Check Posts, enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade, while 7 are designated as Border Haats, preserving traditional systems of trade and cultural exchange.
In this background and recognizing the importance of LCS in facilitating cross-border trade, the 4th Land Customs Conference was organized in New Delhi where multifaceted aspects of trade through LCS were discussed with the stakeholders. This two-day Conference held sessions on wide-ranging topics such as inter-agency coordination, infrastructure development and logistics, risk management, digitization and HR related issues. One of the important points of discussion was gender inclusivity in trade and logistics wherein the transformative journey of women to the mainstream of global trade and as champions of the international supply chain was outlined and strategies to increase women’s participation were deliberated.
In a significant achievement in our ongoing fight against drug trafficking, the DRI’s Agartala Regional Unit with the support of Assam Rifles, successfully intercepted a major consignment of methamphetamine tablets on the Khowai-Agartala road. Acting on precise intelligence, the team seized 12 kgs of methamphetamine, valued at Rs. 12 crores in the international grey market. The contraband was concealed in a vehicle and was detected after a meticulous search, leading to the arrest of one individual under the NDPS Act. With this seizure, DRI Guwahati has now seized more than 100 kgs of methamphetamine alone, in the current financial year. A wonderful display of teamwork and swift action! By thwarting these drug smuggling attempts, the officers have not only upheld the law but also safeguarded the welfare of our community.
The Department bids farewell to two distinguished members of CBIC – Ms. Bandhana Deori and Sh. M. Srihari Rao. As they step into their new phase, we wish them abundant health, joy, and satisfaction. May this next phase bring them cherished moments with loved ones and inspire them with renewed vigour to explore their passions!
Until next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs.
