MULTAN: Collectorate of Customs Enforcement and Compliance (E&C) has seized illegal urea fertilizer worth Rs15.8 million being smuggled to Afghanistan due to enhanced vigilance on all export consignments.
Divulging the details of the action, it stated that upon receipt of credible information of a huge quantity of urea fertilizers being smuggled from South Punjab to Chaman through Quetta in the garb of fresh vegetables, the Assistant Collector informed Customs Chaman and formed a team to ensure effective execution of the information.
A 10-wheelers HINO truck was intercepted and its thorough examination led to the recovery of urea fertilizers tactfully concealed under the cover load of fresh vegetables (potatoes). A total of 680 bags of fertilizer urea, each weighing 50 kg were concealed under the cover load of 80 gunny bags of potatoes. The total value of the seizure was Rs15.8 million.
FIR against the exporters and clearing agent has already been lodged and one person has been arrested. Further investigation is underway to unearth all those involved in the case. All the export consignments are being closely monitored. It is pertinent to mention that the Federal Board of Revenue is following a policy of zero-tolerance against smuggling and thereby has increased vigilance and surveillance of cargo movement across the border.
Multan Customs Enforcement has adopted zero-tolerance policy against smuggling of all shades and grades. He further reiterated his unflinching resolve to fight the menace of smuggling across the country in order to maximize tax compliance.
