LAHORE: Anti-smuggling wing of Model Customs Collectorrate Lahore has confiscated vehicles, goods and articles worth Rs 229 million in 287 cases in nine months of the current fiscal year.
Details reveal that the anti-smuggling scout registered cases against 84 non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 36 million while seizing goods and articles worth Rs 194 million in 203 cases.
During the month of July 2013, the wing registered 33 cases against seven vehicles and 26 smuggled goods consignments worth Rs 44 million. In the month of August 2013 it registered nine cases against non-customs paid vehicles and seized goods worth Rs 41 million in 28 cases.
Customs authorities impounded four vehicles and confiscated goods worth Rs 27.48 million in 29 raids in September 2013. The wing held nine vehicles and goods worth Rs 19.69 million in 27 raids in October 2013. Customs authorities in Lahore seized two vehicles and goods worth Rs 13.37 million in 20 cases in November. The officials impounded vehicles and goods worth Rs 21.67 million in 40 raids by the month of December 2013.
The anti-smuggling scout seized vehicles and goods worth Rs 19 million in 25 cases in the month of January 2014 while during the month of February 2014, the customs officials conducted 39 raids confiscating vehicles and goods articles worth Rs 16 million. The anti-smuggling department undertook 33 raids and seized non-duty paid vehicles and goods worth Rs 17.19 million in March 2014.
Earlier, during the 9 months of fiscal year 2012-13, MCC Lahore’s anti-smuggling unit registered 241 cases impounding vehicles and goods worth Rs 217 million.
In order to overcome the menace of smuggling, which is hitting hard the local industry and businessmen, Anti-Smuggling Wing officials have been deputed to various police check posts. Sources said that customs officials are strictly monitoring movement of the smuggled goods and articles in the city.
They said that the step has enabled the anti-smuggling wing of Lahore preventive to a great extent. Sources added that the six entry points where customs officials have been deputed included Gajju Matta, Saggian Bridge, Thokar Niaz Baigh, Ravi Chowk, Babu Sabu interchange and other points.
