ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) seized smuggled goods worth Rs35 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year (July-January 2020-21).
According to press statement issued by the Board, this shows an increase of 59 percent when compared to the corresponding period (Jul 2019-Jan 2020) of the last financial year during which smuggled goods worth Rs22 billion were seized.
Moreover, the statement added that the counter-smuggling performance of seven months of current fiscal year (FY) is almost equal to the performance of twelve months of last fiscal year, during which smuggled items worth Rs36 billion were seized.
During current FY, the increase in value of seizure as compared to last FY has been recorded in Non-Custom Paid (NCP) vehicles, Rs11.3 billion (66%); betal nuts-Rs3.4 billion (105%); fabrics-Rs1.9 billion (28%); cigarettes, Rs. 553 million (70%); auto-parts, Rs 492 million (113%); electronic goods, Rs380 million (67%); Diesel, Rs. 899 million (93%) and Gold/silver bars/jewelry, Rs. 271 million (104%).
During the current financial year, FBR also made major seizures of endangered wildlife-falcons, liquor and narcotics.
In addition, Pakistan Customs also played a vital role in seizure of 06 million tonns of Iodine used in manufacturing of an illicit drug methamphetamine which was also appreciated by International Agencies like UNODC and US DEA Office.
Moreover, recent operation led by Pakistan Customs against Illegal POL Outlets has also been a successful attempt in combating the menace of smuggling by sealing more than 2000 illegal outlets all over the country and initiating criminal proceedings against the perpetrators.
