Duty evasion worth Rs3.8b uncovered

235 cases related to irregularities and customs violations filed against smugglers from October to December 2023

LAHORE:

Customs Intelligence has confiscated contraband items and uncovered a massive duty and tax evasion totalling Rs3.8 billion.

The crackdown, conducted over the last three months, resulted in the seizure of Rs636 million worth of Iranian petrol, 115 non-custom paid vehicles, and a staggering 8 million cigarettes. Additional operations also led to the confiscation of auto parts, home appliances, and tires, collectively valued at hundreds of millions of rupees.

A total of 235 cases related to irregularities and customs violations were filed against smugglers from October to December 2023.

Read Botched escape bid exposes drug smuggling

The seized smuggled items amounted to Rs3,790 million, reflecting a notable 15 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous financial year.

The October to November timeframe of the last quarter was dubbed the "Super Quarter," resulting in the confiscation of Rs2,904 million worth of smuggled items and a significant exposure of duties and tax evasion.

Operations also contributed to a revenue gain of Rs56 million, marking a substantial 200 percent increase from the previous quarter.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2024.