Experts at the ASIA Security Conference & Exhibition 2026 called for a shift from merely seizing illicit goods to using intelligence to identify and dismantle the organised criminal networks behind cross-border smuggling and counterfeiting. The conference brought together representatives from Customs, Police, government agencies, intellectual property organisations and industry to discuss data-driven enforcement, supply chain transparency and stronger collaboration.
Rodney Van Dooren, Director of Illicit Trade Prevention at Philip Morris International (PMI), said the greatest value of a seizure lies in the intelligence it provides, and sharing this information across agencies and jurisdictions can help disrupt criminal networks. He noted that India’s illicit trade is estimated at $231.5 billion annually, while illicit cigarettes account for nearly 25% of the domestic market, causing an estimated annual revenue loss of ₹23,000 crore to the exchequer.
Prasanna Datar, IRS, Additional Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Customs, highlighted the need to strengthen training at smaller ports and improve intelligence-sharing with right holders, while Swagat Patil, IPS, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crime, Delhi Police, stressed the importance of following money, data and the complete criminal ecosystem behind illicit trade. The conference also emphasised predictive risk profiling, digital marketplace accountability and coordinated capacity building among enforcement agencies.