About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI):
- It is the premier intelligence and enforcement agency of the Government of India on anti-smuggling matters.
- It works under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
- It came into existence on December 4, 1957.
- Functions:
- Collection of intelligence about smuggling of contraband goods, narcotics, under-invoicing, etc. through sources in India and abroad, including secret sources.
- Analysis and dissemination of such intelligence to the field formations for action and working on such intelligence, where necessary.
- Keeping watch over important seizures and investigation cases. Associating with or taking over the investigations which warrant specialised handling by the Directorate.
- Guiding important investigation/prosecution cases. Keeping liaison with foreign countries, Indian Missions, and Enforcement agencies abroad on anti-smuggling matters.
- To keep in liaison with C.B.I. and through them with the To refer cases registered under the Customs Act to the Income Tax Department for action under the Income Tax Act.
- To keep statistics of seizures, and prices/rates etc. for watching trends of smuggling and supply required material to the Ministry of Finance and other Ministries.
- To study and suggest remedies for loopholes in law and procedures to combat smuggling.
- The DRI, with its Headquarters in New Delhi, has 12 zonal units, 35 regional units, and 15 sub-regional units.
