ISLAMABAD: Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation is taking stern action against smuggling all over the country and confiscated non-duty paid goods worth Rs 240.8 million and lodged 85 FIRs during October 2016.
Customs Intelligence Headquarters Deputy Director Khaldunul Haq told Customs Today that four suspects were arrested during the said period. The department impounded non-duty paid vehicles and other vehicles under Section 157 of the Customs Act, 1969, besides confiscating cloth, black tea, tyres, diesel, cigarettes and blankets during raids, he informed.
He said that performance report for October 2016 has been sent to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that has directed to expedite the anti-smuggling activities throughout the country in order to save the national economy.
The Customs Intelligence impounded non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 154.3 million, besides impounding 15 vehicles under Section 157 worth Rs 20.04 million, he said, adding that it confiscated 42,145 yards of cloth worth Rs 18.21 million.
The board has issued special directives to curb the smuggling of cigarettes, he said, adding that the intelligence staff confiscated 3190 cartons of foreign origin cigarettes worth Rs 19.4 million. Local cigarettes manufacturers has appreciated the performance of the department and sent appreciation letters to the Director General Shaukat Ali, he explained.
The department seized 80 blankets worth Rs 200,000, 1350 kilogramme (kg) of black tea worth Rs 440,000, 16 tyres and tubes worth Rs 446,000, auto parts worth Rs 473,000, gutka worth Rs 1.1 million, toiletries worth Rs 11.97 million, electronics worth Rs 12.3 million and miscellaneous items worth Rs 16.98 million during the said period, he said.
Over 30 newly recruited sepoys are getting their training at FC centre and will join the department in December making the anti-smuggling campaign more strengthen, he said.
He revealed that the director general has sought suggestion from all directorates to overcome the smuggling in country, adding that a durable policy will be designed to make an effective strategy, in this regard.
The Customs Intelligence will share intelligence-based information with other law enforcement agencies, he said, adding that it has been decided to enhance cooperation with police, FC and Rangers. Negotiation with Motorways Police is also underway for intercepting the vehicles carrying smuggling goods on the information of the Customs Intelligence, he said.
The directorate general was giving special attention to Gwadar and border with Iran and DG Shaukat Ali will visit the Gwadar in this month, he informed, adding that the DG was working on scientific basis to curb smuggling in guise of Afghan Transit Trade.
The DG has asked all directorates to highlight the impediments to perform the professional duties and send a detailed report to his office, he said.
