Tackling Illicit Trade: Smuggling And Counterfeiting

Counterfeit products are widespread in the market, and people often buy them at significantly lower prices than the original ones. For instance, a person may purchase sunglasses with "RAYBAN" or belts with GUCCI embossed. Similarly, counterfeit cigarettes are also available in the market, which are easily recognisable by the lack of health warnings on the packs. Ironically, such products are considered less harmful due to the absence of graphic health warnings instead of the realisation that the proceeds from the sale of such products often make their way into funding organised crime, terrorism, and other such anti-national activities. Some consumers actually look for such goods with a clear intention to strike a good bargain and get the goods at a fraction of the cost of genuine goods. However, it is essential to accept the fact that contrary to popular belief, smuggled and counterfeit goods are not always being sold to gullible consumers.