KARACHI: MCC Appraisement East has arrested one Muhammad Akif s/o Muhammad Arif while he was trying to escape to Dubai. Akif is involved in misusing facilities at Export processing Zone (EPZ) to import contraband and clandestinely removing the goods to the local market, thus causing huge loss to the national exchequer.
He had purchased two tickets for two separate flights to Dubai to hoodwink the authorities. MCC Preventive waited for him the entire night but the accused did not appear at the airport. As the shift changed, the Preventive staff left disappointed.
Meanwhile, on information received from Chief Collector Appraisement South Abdul Rasheed Sheikh, R&D of MCC Appraisement East arrested him from inside the aircraft. He was offloaded from the aircraft and then arrested.
Sources said Muhammad Akif had formed two companies at Export processing Zone (EPZ) namely M/s G.B Global – manufacturing concern – and the other company namely M/s pioneer meant for trading.
A consignment of second hand clothing arrived from USA meant for Export Processing Zone (EPZ). The said consignment had been imported in the name of M/s Hands Industries. However, M/s Hands Industries three days before the examination of consignment had informed EPZ Authority that the consignment imported in their name was not theirs and requested investigation in this regard.
MCC Appraisement East conducted the consignment, which was found to be stuffed with betel nut. Investigations found that one Shahan from Dubai had sent the Bill of Lading of the said consignment at the house of Muhammad Akif.
Chief Collector Abdul Rasheed Shaikh and Collector Saeed Akram had formed a team comprising Principal Appraiser Dost Mohammad, Senior Preventive Officer Malak Hashim to pursue the case.
Investigations revealed that Fahad Mulla and Muhammad Akif used to import various goods including contraband through their trading company M/s Pioneer at Export Processing Zone. Their other company M/s G.B Global used to call an empty container for the export of goods they claimed were manufactured at M/s G.B Global. However, scrap and garbage was exported, while another container with the same number was used to remove the imported goods including contraband to the local market. They used three different trailers for this dirty business with registered numbers JT-5103, JU-1690 and TLE-027.
Customs sources that their entire network had been identified and more arrests would be made soon.
Collector Exports Port Qasim Saifuddin Junejo has already formed a team comprising Deputy Collector Ali Aijaz and Principal Appraiser Shafiullah to conduct audit of M/s G.B Global and M/s Pioneer.