KARACHI: The replacement of transshipment cargo (TP) with low value and low tariff goods during transit has resurfaced, and Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation has lodged an FIR against M/s K.K Metal Industries, M/s Saif-ur-Rehman & Brothers bonded carrier for smuggling of high tariff items under the garb of import of computer broken parts by mis-using transshipment facilities.

Information was received through Director General Shaukat Ali that M/s K.K Metal Industries in association with customs bonded carrier M/s Saif-ur-Rehman & Brothers and other culpritsare involved in the clandestine removal/smuggling of mobile phones, tablet PCs, LED TVs and other electronic goods under the garb of import of computer broken parts availing TP facilities and are disposing the goods from their private warehouse in the local market by breaking upon the seals of the container while enroute for its upcountry destinations.

Director Samina Wajid formed a team of Anti-smuggling Organization comprising Superintendent Akmal Hashmi and Imran under the supervision of Deputy Director Shah Faisal Sahu to foil attempt of smuggling and enroute pilferage of bonded goods.

The team mounted surveillance on the consignments allowed transshipment through M/s Saif-ur-Rehman & Brothers. During surveillance, the constituted team intercepted a trailer at an open yard located off Mai Kolachi road where the bonded goods including mobile phones, LED TVs, satellite dish receivers etc were being removed from the container after breaking all the seals. The goods being replaced did not correlate with the TP documents. The goods also included contraband goods.

Trailer driver Adnan and one Mohammad Junaid were arrested. During search proceedings of a Honda Vezel Pilot car present there, an amount of Rs0.898 million and a 9MM pistol with two live magazines were found, which were taken into safe custody.

Replacement of transshipment cargo is no new thing and certain elements had been inflicting huge loss to the national economy through this dirty business. Customs authorities, particularly Tariq Huda while he was Collector MCC Preventive and other officers took rigorous measures and arrested several culprits including the master mind Raheem Mirani.

However, the weak judicial system gave these culprits interim relief in the form of bail and in some cases even the cases were dismissed. This has encouraged the unscrupulous elements to continue with their nefarious designs.

Sources said that it’s a big network and those who are already on bail are involved in the scam. Moreover, the office bearers of mobile market associations are also equally involved in this dirty business.

Customs a couple of times tried to crack down these mobile markets housing smuggled mobile phones but these associations created law & order situation and Customs had to withdraw.