LAHORE: The anti-smuggling unit’s ability to curb smuggling has improved significantly after counter-smuggling efforts made during the first quarter of financial year 2014-15, a source told Customs Today.
According to details, the Anti-Smuggling Operation (ASO) registered five cases of smuggled vehicles worth Rs 8 million while confiscated goods worth Rs 53 million in 57 cases during the Q1 2014-15.
The department had seized 20 vehicles worth Rs 7 million and confiscated illegal goods worth Rs 104 million in 70 cases during
the Q1 2013-14.
According to details, the ASO seized one vehicle worth Rs 1.2 million and held goods worth Rs 53 million in 57 cases in July. The department confiscated 3 vehicles worth Rs 5 million and non-customs paid items worth Rs 11 million in 21 cases in
August.
The ASO impounded one vehicle worth Rs 1.5 million, seizing 31.24 million worth non-customs paid items in 25 cases in September FY 2014-15.
ASO sources claimed that smuggling of goods and vehicles has been brought down to a significant level as compared to the corresponding period of the previous FY 2013-14 where seizure of non-customs paid vehicles and goods were greater in numbers.
Seeking anonymity, a senior customs official told Customs Today that the ASO had lacked basic infrastructure for many years which affected its operation badly. To enhance the department’s performance, he said, the FBR needed to provide the department with basic requirements, including vehicles, weapons and induction of fresh blood. He feared if the department was not given attention its performance could falter further.
