KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate (MCC) Appraisement East has started investigation against recovery of a huge quantity of smuggled betel nuts at Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT).
To curb smuggling and mis-declaration of contraband items specially betel nuts, the Customs Collectorate Appraisement East has again foiled an attempt to clear a consignment of betel nuts illegally.
It was the 5th such consignment which was recently intercepted by Customs Collectorate Appraisement East and the attempt by the importers to clear it was foiled.
Sources told Customs Today that while examining a container at Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT), marked by the system for examination, the Customs staff found betel nuts hidden beneath soap stock. A goods declaration no KAPE-HC-170594, dated 28-03-2018 was filed by M/s Ali Bagh Enterprises holding NTN No. 1020895.
The modus operandi was such that almost ninety percent of drum space was filled with betel nuts while a layer of soap stock was placed on top of the drums to conceal presence of betel nuts underneath. The consignment was shipped form Jebel-e-Ali port and trader’s profile reflected that it was the first GD filed by the said commercial importer.
The source also informed that the consignment comprised of 5 containers total weight seventy six Metric Tons out of which 2 containers were found to contain betel nuts concealed in seventy four drums. Total weight of detected betel nuts was found to be 8.4 Metric Tons.
The case has accordingly been referred to R&D Section and FIR has been lodged. Clearing agent has also been arrested and efforts are underway to the arrest the mastermind and other culprits involved in this crime.
