MULTAN: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) directed all Customs Collectorates and Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation countrywide to launch joint operation against illicit tobacco and cigarettes.
Sources told Customs Today that Federal Board of Revenue extended invitation to join the RITEP concentrated operation from Regional intelligence Liaison officer Byung Yoo from South Korea.
The RILO AP and Australian Border Force has launch operation RITEP concentrated enforcement period scheduled from 4th June 2018 to 29th June 2018 with a purpose to focus enforcement and information sharing efforts on illicit tobacco to address the threats identified in RITEP.
The Federal Board of Revenue has also directed Collectorates and Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation in the country including Multan Customs in this regard to share relevant information on illicit tobacco and cigarettes on daily basis for necessary action.
It is important to mention here that Pakistan have also joined RILO network, inter-regional cooperation with RILOs during enforcement operations as well as collaborations with international organizations. RILO network mainly contributes in collecting and analyzing data and sharing information with global Customs community which is facing emerging challenges including illicit trade and others.
It will renew their commitment to supporting customs cooperation through RILO network and also curb smuggling due to sharing of information for enforcement purpose against illicit tobacco and cigarettes.
Customs is the only border control authority in Pakistan and it regulates the flow of goods and exercises border controls over illicit movements, facilitates business community for legitimate traders and collects revenue.
The Customs Collectorate Multan is preparing a report on daily basis regarding the seizure of any illicit tobacco and cigarettes and sharing relevant information on timely basis for necessary actions to restrain smuggling of such items in the country.
