FAISLABAD: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) foiled smuggling attempts of miscellaneous goods worth Rs236.67 million which involves duty Rs90.1 in first seven months of FY2016-17 during different operations.
Deputy Director Customs I&I Riaz Hussain told this during an exclusive talk with Customs Today. He told that the Customs I&I under the directions of Director Rubab Sikandar conducted various raids to curb smuggling attempts.
Riaz said that 47 cases of smuggling were registered against the accused during the above said period. The seized items includes computer systems, printers, LCD monitors, laptops, Iranian motor oil and Indian grey fabric. The customs I&I also impounded non-duty paid and offending vehicles.
Riaz added that the customs field investigation unit Khushab confiscated smuggled auto parts, vehicles and other miscellaneous items during the above said period.
Talking about the details of cases, deputy director told that the customs officials registered 7 cases in July, 4 cases in August, 3 cases in September, 5 cases in October, 10 cases in November, 7 cases in December and 11 cases in January.
Riaz said that Director General Shoukat Ali strictly instructed all customs officials to show zero tolerance against accused of smuggling. After these instructions, the customs officials speed up their efforts to curb smuggling.
The customs department had tightened its screws around the smugglers in the Faisalabad region, the customs I&I staff showed out-standing performance to remove smuggled items from markets and warehouses, Riaz added.
In response to a question Riaz said that the Customs has taken significant measures to curb smuggling and now it is nearly impossible for smugglers to move illegal goods freely. The smugglers have fear of customs in their mind.
He said that selling of smuggled items is not in favor of the country and it causes loss to the national economy.
