MULTAN: Customs officials in Multan seized goods worth Rs 16.51 million in their anti-smuggling efforts in June 2014.
According to sources, the seized items include petroleum products, tyres, cigarettes, motor vehicles and liquor. Vehicles including Land Cruisers, Pajeros and hybrid motors were seized in large number for nonpayment of customs duty.
Multan Customs registered more than 200 cases of anti-smuggling during the fiscal year 2013-2014.
It is to be noted that the seizure cases of anti-smuggling were increasing gradually due to strict measures taken by customs intelligence and related departments.
Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Multan collected revenue of Rs169.47 m through auction, fines and taxes from detained goods by anti-smuggling organization (ASO).
Furthermore, the Customs collectorate initiated criminal and adjudication proceedings by issuing show-cause notices to persons and organizations involved in tax evasion.
A source also told Customs Today that Customs Department imposed penalty on different culprits who smuggled goods from across the border without paying duty but were selling these goods in different areas of Pakistan.
The official source confirmed that Customs have no objection on duty-free import of goods as this is increasing their revenues every day. Due to anti-smuggling operation, FBR’s revenue is also increased through tax collection. It is point to be noted that most of the smuggled goods confiscated by Customs Department were smuggled through Pak-Iran border. As compared to FY 2012-13, more than 20 percent increase in seizure cases this year is a clear proof of better performance by customs officials.
