KARACHI: In a significant development, the Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Appraisement East has taken decisive action by filing two First Information Reports (FIRs) against multiple individuals involved in the illegal removal of goods covered by inti-bond General Duty (GD) after their exit from the port area. The goods were reportedly taken without being received into the bonded warehouse and without the required payment of duty and taxes.
The initiation of legal proceedings stems from valuable information passed on by Collector Jameel Baloch to Deputy Collector Romaila Jacob. Subsequently, the case was diligently pursued by Principal Appraiser Muhammad Farooq, Appraising Officer Ghani Soomro, and SPS Hashim Malak.
Adding another layer to the unfolding investigation, a letter from the public bonded warehouse license holder, M/s Junaid Brothers, revealed that consignments imported by M/s Khanzada Traders and M/s Mazar Traders remained outside the bonded warehouse despite pending payment of duty and taxes. It was alleged that the importers, in collaboration with accomplices and abettors, deliberately deceived customs authorities by clandestinely removing the goods earmarked for the bonded warehouse after exiting the port area, all without informing the relevant Customs authorities.
The FIRs have been officially lodged, marking the commencement of a thorough investigation into the alleged illicit activities. Customs authorities are determined to unravel the full extent of the wrongdoing and bring those responsible to justice. The gravity of the situation underscores the need for increased vigilance and stringent measures to safeguard the integrity of customs procedures.