KARACHI: Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation -FBR (Custom Enforcement), Karachi has identified two more importers namely M/s. Faras Combne Marketing Company, and M/s. Friends Petrochemical Industries, Lahore indulged in smuggling of Kerosene oil in garb of White spirit for last two years.

Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation -FBR (Custom Enforcement), Karachi has unearthed a huge scam of smuggling of Kerosine oil (HS code 2710.1911) in garb of white Spirit (HS code 2710.1240). As per Serial 2 of Appendix B (Part-II) of Import Policy Order, only Oil Marketing Companies are authorized to import Kerosine oil.

Director General of intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad Shaukat Ali provided a tip off, in pursuit thereof of Ms. Samina Wajid, Director I&I Custom Enforcement, Karachi, assigned the task to Additional Director Syed Ali Zaman Gardezi, Deputy Director Shah Faisal Sahu for proper investigation.

Senior Intelligence Officer Fakhar Shah, Superintendent Mohammad Sadiq, Intelligence Officers Aslam Badeem and Saeed-ur-Rehman pursued the case and detected the scam.

The importers were getting consignments cleared with the connivance of private laboratories, whereas, Government of Pakistan through Ministry of Petroleum has notified testing of petroleum products through labs of Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan.

In contrast violation of rules made by Government of Pakistan, the samples of these petroleum products were being tested through unauthorized labs and reportedly sanctity of samples was compromised too. The collectorate of Preventive issued a standing Order whereby rules and procedures for sampling and testing of petroleum products have been devised, however, staff of MCC Preventive was itself found violating the provisions of  said standing order.

The matter was thoroughly visited and discreetly followed and information was found correct and consignments were accordingly detained. Samples were drawn for testing from Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan as per set rules and procedures of Ministry of Petroleum and they confirmed the samples as Kerosene oil instead of White Spirit.

FIRs have been lodged and efforts are being made to arrest the delinquents.