KARACHI: Customs Intelligence and Investigation Karachi has initiated investigations into the fraudulent clearance of over Rs1.0 billion worth of electronics in the garb of 650 tons of cat litter sand. The scam is known to be running in an organized manner involving importer, clearing agent, sea terminal staff, off-dock terminal staff and sealing staff.
In line with the government’s anti-smuggling policy and direct interest of COAS General Asim Munir in the ongoing campaign, Director General I&I Faiz Ahmed has advised all formations to take all measures in curbing smuggling, revenue evasion and money laundering.
On the instructions of Director I&I Karachi Engineer Habib, Additional Director Afzaal Wattoo initiated investigations into the smuggling in the garb of inter-port movement.
The team under the supervision of Deputy Director Wasif Malik and Appraising Officer Mirza Asad Shafiq detected that 40 consignments of cat litter sand imported by M/s Sami Traders were transported to Bahria Off Dock Terminal without engagement of bonded carrier, which is violation of Rule 556(B)(3) and Rule 566(B)(4) of the Customs Rules 2001.
In terms of Rule 556(B)(3) of the Customs Rules 2001 it is the bonded carrier who has to load the container meant for inter-port movement on an authorized vehicle. Whereas Rule 556(B)(4) requires that Transport Note will be generated in triplicate by the Customs sealing staff and each copy will be signed by the bonded carrier or his representative. This practice suggests involvement of multiple quarters in this scam.
Sources said high value electronics were cleared in the garb of litter sand. This scam has been running for long and national exchequer is deprived of billions of rupees of duty/taxes.
Shams Burney praised the I&I Karachi team led by Director Engineer Habib and said it is for the first time that investigations are headed in the right direction. He said earlier all the blame was put on the bonded carrier as an eye wash and the actual culprits went free to continue their dirty business.
Shams Burney, Chairman All Pakistan Customs Bonded Carriers Association, said I&I was diligently investigating the case and the actual culprits will soon be identified. He said if the investigations are done impartially with an objective to bring culprits to justice, the institutions get complete cooperation from the legitimate business community.