December 12, 2024
About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI):
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI):
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is a premier agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, tasked with investigating and combating smuggling and customs-related offenses, particularly focusing on the enforcement of economic laws.
Key Functions of DRI:
- Prevention of Smuggling: DRI works to prevent the smuggling of goods, including narcotics, gold, counterfeit currency, and other contraband, into and out of India.
- Enforcement of Customs Laws: The DRI enforces various laws related to customs duties and taxes and investigates violations.
- Intelligence Gathering: It collects and analyzes intelligence related to illegal trade and economic offenses.
- Cooperation with Other Agencies: The DRI works closely with other domestic and international law enforcement agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), CBI, and Interpol.
- Investigation and Enforcement: It investigates cases related to smuggling, fraud, and violations of export-import laws, and ensures enforcement of penalties.
Structure and Powers:
- The DRI is headed by a Director General (DG), who is an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs), typically at the rank of Additional Secretary to the Government of India.
- The Director General has the authority to initiate and oversee investigations, enforce customs laws, and coordinate with other enforcement agencies to combat smuggling and related crimes.
Appointment of the Director General of DRI:
- The Director General of DRI is appointed by the Union Government under the Ministry of Finance.
- The appointment is made by the Department of Revenue, which comes under the Ministry of Finance.
- The head of the DRI is typically a senior officer from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), with experience in customs and revenue-related matters.
Powers:
- The Director General and senior officials in the DRI have wide powers under the Customs Act, Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), and other related laws to investigate and prevent smuggling and related offenses.
- The DRI has the authority to conduct searches, seizures, arrests, and investigations related to customs offenses.
- They also have the power to issue summons, gather intelligence, and cooperate with international agencies for transnational investigations.
DRI’s Role Under the Ministry of Finance:
- As an agency under the Ministry of Finance, DRI directly reports to the Secretary (Revenue) in the ministry.
- It is also responsible for the implementation of national and international obligations related to customs, such as the World Customs Organization (WCO) conventions and agreements.