SIALKOT: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized smuggled goods and vehicles worth Rs 12.5 million during first four months (July-October) of fiscal year 2016-17.
Officials told Customs Today that the ASO was showing best performance to curb smuggling under the command of ASO incharge Assistant Collector Fahad Bashir Chaudhary, adding that the ASO staff, including Superintendent Sardar Manzoor, Inspectors Aamir, Aftab Ahmad and others, were also taking part in anti-smuggling activities. They said that the ASO officials have vowed to curb smuggling from the Gujranwala division.
The ASO impounded three non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 6 million whereas it also confiscated smuggled mobile phones, mobile phone accessories, Indian origin cloth, cumin and other items worth Rs 6.5 million. The items were confiscated during different raids on Grand Trunk (GT) Road, besides registering 19 cases during the said period.
All cases have been referred to the Customs Adjudication for further proceeding. The customs will be authorised to auction the impounded vehicles and goods, if customs adjudication announced decision in favour of the department.
The officials said that the Sialkot Customs is expediting the efforts to curb smuggling whereas the shortage of staff is creating hurdles but the ASO was performing better duty by utilising all possible resources.
ASO incharge Assistant Collector Fahad Bashir Choudhary told Customs Today the performance of the Siakot ASO was going better day by day, as it has achieved good results during first four months of fiscal year.
He said that FBR was also solving the matter of shortage of staff and the shortage of staff matter will be solved soon.
