LAHORE: Anti-smuggling wing of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Lahore has impounded vehicles, goods and articles worth Rs 168 million during the first half of financial year 2013-14, up by 6 percent as compared to the same period of the previous financial year.
The collectorate seized vehicles, good and articles worth Rs 158.79 during the first six months of FY 2012-13. During the first half of 2013-14, the wing registered 48 cases against non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 21 million while seized goods and articles worth Rs 147 million in 129 cases. The number of cases shot up by 15 pc during the period under review.
The impounded goods and articles included liquor, cloth, plastic products, auto parts, iron and steel coils and sheets, medicines, electronic goods, toiletries products, power generators, artificial leather, skimmed milk powder, garments, electric bikes and cigarettes.
The anti-smuggling wing impounded vehicles, goods and articles being smuggled to local market under section 157 of the Customs Act, 1969.
During the first two months of FY 2013-14 i.e. July and August, the wing collected Rs 44 million and 41 million respectively against Rs 13 million and 28 million during the corresponding period of FY 2012-13. Number of the cases during FY 2013-14 surpassed the FY 2012-13. During July and August of FY 2013-14, the wing registered 61 cases against 58 in FY 2012-13.
In order to completely overcome the menace of smuggling, Pakistan Customs needs full tightening of grip on the smugglers who have been badly affecting the local industry and generating unemployment.
