LAHORE: Strict surveillance and control has resulted in seizure of smuggled items worth Rs 22.534 billion in Pakistan during the last five years.
According to Pakistan Customs sources the year 2010-11 witnessed major seizures during the period as the authorities confiscated smuggled goods worth Rs 5.501 billion. In 2012-13 the smuggled items worth Rs 5.329 billion were seized; goods worth Rs 4.905 billion in 2011-12; goods worth Rs 4.929 billion in 2009-10; and goods worth Rs 1.859 billion in 2008-09 were confiscated.
Sources said that enforcement measures have been adopted to curb menace of smuggling which included intelligence sharing, launching of joint operations and provisions of support and facilitation by law enforcement agencies. All entry points have been beefed up and strict surveillance and control is being enforced. The main smuggling route is porous border with Afghanistan and Pak-Iran Border.
Anti-smuggling measures are also taken by Frontier Corps who are entrusted to carry out anti-smuggling activities within 20 km of international border while joint efforts are also undertaken between Customs and other agencies. Moreover, major entry points and smuggling routes in the country are being monitored by establishment of check posts. Anti-smuggling powers have also been delegated to Pakistan Coast Guards and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to check smuggling in the coastal areas and high seas.
Scanners have been installed at airports for scanning of baggage of incoming passengers. The authorities said a comprehensive anti-smuggling strategy has been chalked out while available resources and manpower have been pooled for optimum use. Director General Intelligence and Investigation-Customs has been assigned the chief role to coordinating anti-smuggling activities with other LEAs.
