The Customs Intelligence and Investigation (CII) has seized smuggled goods worth Rs952 million in 95 different cases in January 2024.
I&I Karachi, under the instructions of Director General Faiz Ahmed, has tightened vigilance and strengthened intelligence network to curb smuggling activities across the country. Director Karachi Engineer Habib Ahmed and his team comprising Additional Director Afzal Watto, Deputy Director Wasif Malik, Assistant Director Saud Hasan and Superintendent Irshad Shah and others have played a vital role in the successful operations.
The seized goods include various vehicles, petroleum products, betel nuts, cigarettes, cloth, tiles, tyres, food items, electronic appliances, and other miscellaneous goods. A detailed list of the seized goods is given below.
The I&I Karachi has also registered cases against the smugglers and initiated legal action against them. The CII has expressed its determination to continue its anti-smuggling drive and protect the national economy from the menace of smuggling.
Smuggling is a form of illicit trade that involves the movement of goods across borders without paying taxes and duties. Smuggling not only deprives the government of its legitimate revenue, but also harms the local industries and consumers.
Smuggling also distorts the market prices and creates unfair competition for the domestic producers. Smuggling of farm products, for example, can lead to losses of potential farm income, slowdown in production, increase in income inequality, and even risk the entry of pests.
Smuggling is also linked to other types of crimes, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, corruption, bribery and money laundering. Smuggling is often run by organized criminal groups that have sophisticated networks and resources. Smuggling also poses a threat to national security and sovereignty, as smuggled goods can include weapons, explosives, and contraband items.
Therefore, smuggling is a serious challenge for the economic development and social stability of the country. It requires a coordinated and comprehensive response from the government, the law enforcement agencies, the private sector, and the civil society.
The list of seized goods includes various vehicles, such as cars, trucks, trailers, buses, and motorcycles, with different models, colors, and registration numbers. Some of the vehicles are not registered or have tampered chassis numbers. The list also includes a large quantity of betel nuts, which are often smuggled or used for illicit purposes. Other items on the list are cloth, polyester yarn, tyres, cigarettes, tiles, oil, and assorted household goods. The list shows the diversity and scale of the illegal activities that the authorities have to deal with.