ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Islamabad impounded different kinds of foreign origin fabrics weighed 5,786 kilogram along with an offending (vehicle used for carrying smuggled goods) vehicle from Islamabad toll plaza.
According to details given by Ansir Anies, Deputy Collector ASO Islamabad, while talking with Customs Today that Collector MCC Islamabad got a tip-off that a huge consignment of smuggled fabrics will enter into the jurisdiction of MCC Islamabad.
The ASO formed a squad led by Customs Superintendent Arif Dar and Inspector Abdul Hafeez. They set up a picket near Islamabad Motorways and intercepted a Mazda truck with registration No: AKS-14-235. After the interception, the ASO squad asked the driver to provide the documents to ascertain the legal import of the goods however the owner of the items failed to prove anything lawful.
After the initial investigation, the squad confiscated thousands of kilograms of foreign origin cloths including 3,700 kilogram of ladies polyester, 788 kilogram of ladies cotton cloth, 698 kilogram of curtain cloth and 600 kilogram of jail cloth. The value of the impounded cloths was estimated at Rs3.00million while the financial worth of the vehicle was Rs1.3million.
The ASO took into possession the goods and truck under the Customs Act-1969. After lodging an FIR against the two smugglers, a case has been forwarded to the Investigation and Prosecution (I&P) Department.
Deputy Collector ASO told CT that the Customs Department has adopted a zero tolerance policy against the smugglers.
