KARACHI: MCC Port Qasim has foiled a bid to smuggle into Pakistan a consignment of explosives filled fireworks/firecrackers in the garb of toys and fun fair items.
Information was passed through Collector Mumtaz Khoso that attempts would be made to clear fireworks. Subsequently, Additional Collector Examination Fawad Shah assigned Appraising Officer Taha Shaikh to examine the consignment of M/s Abrar Traders, Lahore.
M/s Abar Traders through his clearing agent M/s A.R Logistics filed the Goods Declaration at Port Qasim for import of assorted toys and fun fair items. However, upon detail examination, fireworks and firework cracker guns were found willfully concealed within the cartons of assorted toys.
The explosives/firecrackers are restricted item as per Import Policy Order and prone to smuggling under section 2(s) of the Customs Act, 1969. Accordingly, the Collectorate has seized the consignment and lodged an FIR. Further investigations are underway.
Mumtaz Ali Khoso has appreciated the examination staff for detecting the case and reiterated the resolve not to allow any illegal activity at Port Qasim by unscrupulous elements.
Moreover, Khoso has advised Additional Collector Mushtaq Shahani to examine three other consignments of the said importer. Collector has also advised Deputy Collector Rana Arsalan and PA Ibrahim Khan to conduct maximum examination of import consignments being cleared through the green channel, while Customs staff is directed to analyze the profile of importers before rejecting the examination.