KARACHI: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (Enforcement) has foiled a bid to smuggle huge quantity of foreign origin smart phones of assorted brands from Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) Air Freight Unit. The estimated value of recovered/seized mobile phones comes to Rs48 million (approx).
On the information of Director I&I Enforcement, Samina Wajid a special team headed by Deputy Director Mohammad Haroon Malik was constituted to mount surveillance at the AFU. Consequently two Suzuki vans bearing registration nos KH-9472 and KP- 0677 loaded with 32 cartons, were identified and intercepted in front of Gerry’s Danata Shed of Air Freight Unit. JIAP, Karachi.
During search, 1200 pieces of foreign origin mobile phones of assorted brands were recovered from one carton while remaining cartons were found to contain Toyota genuine auto/body parts of vehicles.
On preliminary inquiry, the drivers of the van failed to produce any legal documents in respect of aforesaid mobile phones. On further interrogations, it transpired that the consignment of auto parts in question was imported in the name of Al-Amna Trading Company Sadder, Karachi from Dubai.
The carton containing mobiles phones was concealed within the cartons of auto parts and was delivered along with them. The scrutiny of GD revealed that no declaration regarding import of mobile phones. Further investigations in the matter are under progress. Sources said it was being ascertained whether the custodian Gerry’s Danata were involved/aware of this attempt to remove the mobile phones from the shed.
There is no check on the conduct of these terminals/custodians as there is no proper regulatory authority due to which these terminals have been involved in several questionable and often a times fraudulent activities. An official informed that these private container and import cargo terminals at sea port as well as airport were violating several regulations and even refuse to abide by the legal orders of the Customs authorities.
