Customs Intelligence powers withdrawn

FBR shifts anti-smuggling powers from Customs Intelligence to DG Enforcement in a restructuring move.

KARACHI:

As part of reforms in Pakistan Customs, the Directorate General Customs Intelligence has been restructured, under which its powers of conducting raids and sting operations have been withdrawn.

In this regard, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a notification. Under the reorganisation drive, it has been decided to hand over all powers of Customs Intelligence to the director general of enforcement.

According to the notification, anti-smuggling powers have also been taken back from the Customs Intelligence and its all warehouses and staff will be handed over to the DG Customs Enforcement.

The notification added that it had been decided, in principle, to abolish the Directorates of Customs Intelligence in Hyderabad, Gwadar, Rawalpindi and Multan. On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, all cases and records of Customs Intelligence are being immediately handed over to the DG Customs Enforcement.

In this regard, it has been directed to provide all relevant records, details of cases and inquiries to the DG Customs Enforcement by November 12.