KARACHI: Collector Customs Adjudication-I has ordered outright confiscation of a large quantity of smuggled edible oil, which was recovered from the premises of M/s Paracha Textile Mills.
Information was passed through Director I&I Karachi that huge quantity of smuggled and non-duty paid Iran origin edible oil is being dumped and packed in standard packing of Meezan Cooking Oil and being illegally sold in the market.
A surveillance was mounted, and two Suzuki pick-ups were seen carrying edible oil into the premises of M/s Paracha Textile Mills. It was confirmed that smuggled goods were present at the suspected premises, M/s Paracha Textile Mills.
A raid was conducted after fulfilling due formalities, which led to recovery of 152.69 tons of smuggled Irani edible oil. The representative of the company could not provide any evidence of lawful import and possession of the goods.
The Collector Adjudication also imposed a 20 per cent redemption fine on the owner of Suzuki pick-ups transporting the smuggled goods.
An official said contrary to the usual practice of Customs, no fine or penalty was imposed on the M/s Paracha Textile Mills; and no FIR was lodged against the company. Sources said a celebrity Maulana quite popular among showbiz people, politicians and military officers, is patronizing this entire ring involved in smuggling of edibles. On the orders of the senior most officer of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, absolute leniency was practiced with the Paracha Textile Mills and Meezan cooking oil.
Sources said this is Maulana Group involved in the smuggling of edible oil and Chinese salt, and all quarters involved in this business have become billionaires including the Maulana.