LAHORE: Deputy Collector Collectorate of Customs Adjudication Zainab Mahmood Khawaja has issued an Order-in-Original (ONO) No. 337/2017. The deputy collector ordered the release of goods after payment of lawful duty and fine.
According to contravention report of seizure case no: 216/2017 issued vide C. No. 01/ASO-260/2017/607 dated 18.8.2017; a team of Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) intercepted a Suzuki pickup bearing registration LRJ-3671 near Aik Moria Pull, Circular Road Lahore on August 10, 2017. The vehicle was loaded with fabric. The person on the driving seat introduced himself as Haroon, a resident of Bund Road Lahore. On query, he stated that the fabric in the pick up belongs to three persons who did not travel in the vehicle.
On demand, the driver failed to provide any documentary evidence regarding import or lawful possession of the cloth. However, the driver requested to allow sometime enabling him to bring the owners of the recovered cloth. Therefore, the recovered cloth and pickup No. LRJ-3671 was detained u/s 2 (kk) of the Customs Act, 1969 for want of import documents.
On 11.8.2017, the aforesaid driver along with three other persons attended the office of ASO and claimed ownership of the detained fabric. However, they also showed their willingness to pay duty and taxes leviable on the detained cloth. After examining the whole case and listening the arguments of both parties Deputy Collector Zainab Mehmood directed to release goods after payment of duty and taxes according to Customs Act 1969.
