The Customs Intelligence and Investigation has seized smuggled goods worth Rs2 billion across Punjab in three months on the directives of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials.
“From now on, the Customs Intelligence will also seize vehicles used for smuggling items for at least two or three times,” Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Director Saima Aftab told the media.
The seized goods include Indian cosmetics, tyres, dry fruit, dry milk, juice, welding equipment, clothes and curtains.
Besides, other prohibited items have also been seized. The proceeds from the early auction of dry fruit, dry milk and other items would be deposited in the national exchequer.
Saima said that the non-customs duty paid goods had been seized while taking effective measures to curb smuggling across the province.
“The operations have been carried out in the last three months in Lahore and other parts of Punjab including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Gujarat, Sialkot and Okara,” she added.
The official said several containers of smuggled goods had been seized and were shifted to the Customs warehouse.
A few days ago, five containers loaded with clothes worth millions of rupees were seized during an operation in Lahore’s Azam Cloth Market.
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A case has been registered against 10 people.
Saima said all the reports regarding the three-month performance had been sent to the headquarters.
“Action will be taken against the smugglers who had brought non-customs duty paid goods inside the country and no concession would be given to anyone.” The official further said operations were being carried out by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation across Punjab.
“We are trying to get the people to bring the goods into the country by paying customs duty instead of smuggling them. This will not only benefit them, but also bring revenue to the department.”
Recently, the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement and Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation had seized eight containers, owned by alleged smuggler Nabi Bux, containing smuggled goods valued at around Rs400 million.
Sharing details, Saima said the preliminary examination of the goods revealed that the detained trucks were of New Balochistan Goods Co owned by Nabi Bux and contained various goods including fabric, tyres, milk, juice, dry fruits, welding equipment and electrodes.
Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Collector Basit Maqsood Abbasi said the anti-smuggling drive was supervised by Collectorate of Customs Enforcement and the Director, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation.
“Hectic efforts produced reliable information to the effect that notorious racket of smugglers was transporting containers loaded with smuggled goods to Lahore,” he added.
“Through effective planning and clinical accuracy the operations were planned in four districts - Okara, Sahiwal, Kasur and Lahore simultaneously.”
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