Smugglers cannot escape from strict control of Lahore Customs: Mukarram Jah
LAHORE: The Model Customs Collectorate Preventive has foiled an attempt to smuggle 15 kilograms gold and foreign currency worth Rs 33.2 million at Allam Iqbal International Airport Lahore.
Appreciating the performance of the staff, Customs Preventive Collector Mukkram Jah Ansari said that departments has sharpened its professional skills to curb the smuggling, causing loss to national exchequer, adding that such elements will be brought to the court and put behind the bars without any discrimination.
As per details, customs foiled a bid to smuggle 15 kg gold worth Rs 60 million and foreign currency valued at Rs 33.20 million which were recovered from Abdul Basit, a passenger who was leaving for Dubai by Air Blue flight PA-410. A case has been registered against the passenger after arresting him.
“Lahore Customs has improved to a greater extent during the last few months despite the fact that the customs officials are giving green channels up to 95 percent of the passengers at the Allama Iqbal International Airport and are capable to identify the elements involved in unlawful activities,” Collector Mukkaram said.
As per details, the Lahore Customs Preventive has seized above 31 kg gold worth Rs 160 million by foiling four smuggling bids with 15 diamonds and foreign currency worth Rs 33.20 million.
The collector said that the gold smuggling from the country and in the country was done primarily for capital to make black money white and for profits.
On the other hand, the collector said that the Lahore Customs has conducted various successful operations at such place on the directives and support of Federal Board Revenue (FBR) where it was considered to be risky and dangerous during 2014-15.
“In various successful anti-smuggling operations, we seized 600 ACs of transit trade at the Abid Market and 300 LCD TVs at the Hall Road Lahore,” he said adding that anti-smuggling raids are aimed at to discourage illegal trade and encourage legal business.
