KARACHI: The Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) of the Directorate General if Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Karachi Region, has registered an FIR against the smugglers of contraband items valuing Rs 15.4 million and involving taxes of Rs 2.99 million.
According to details, an anti-smuggling team got credible information about non-duty paid foreign origin cigarettes and garments loaded onto a Bedford truck bearing registration number JT-0516.
In pursuance of the said information, the ASO team approached near Denso Hall area and intercepted the said vehicle loaded with smuggled items.
Upon query, the driver failed to produce any legal import documents in support of lawful transportation of the smuggled items.
Therefore, the loaded truck was escorted to the office of the Directorate General for detailed examination and submission of import documents.
At the office, the examination of the goods was carried out in the presence of witnesses and the driver.
The examination resulted into the recovery of 299 cartons of foreign cigarettes in addition to garments.
Therefore, the aforementioned recovered smuggled goods along with truck and container were seized in terms of Section 168 of the Customs Act, 1969 for violation of the provisions of Section 2(s), 16, 157(2) and 178 of the Customs Act, 1969 punishable under clauses (8) and (89) of sub-section (1) read with Sub-section (2) of Section 156 ibid.
Notice under Section 171 of the Customs Act, 1969 was served on the arrested driver. Sources told Customs Today that investigation into the matter was in progress and efforts were being made to arrest the accused persons and their other associates.
