KARACHI: Director General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Ali Raza Hanjra has advised all directorates to promptly undertake disposal/destruction of seized goods, which are hazardous in nature.
Destruction of seized goods were destroyed in Peshawar last week. Destruction of such goods was conducted in Quetta on Thursday under the supervision of Additional Director Dr Noman, Deputy Directors Usman Aziz and Arsalan.
Large quantity of goods is lying in Lahore. Director I&I Lahore Tayyaba Kyani and Deputy Director Shoib Raza will destroy seized goods on Friday.
Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has initiated an own motion investigation under the Federal Tax Ombudsman Ordinance. This investigation addresses the alarming issue of large quantities of goods, including currency, gold, silver, precious stones, antiques, arms and ammunition, firecrackers, narcotics, cigarettes, liquor, drugs, acetic anhydride, medicines, chemicals, obscene films and literature, and other hazardous items, lying undisposed of in various Customs State Warehouses across the country.
Despite the provisions of Customs General Order (CGO) 12/2002, which mandate the expeditious disposal of such goods, Customs authorities have failed to act accordingly. This negligence has led to the pilferage and replacement of these items. The Customs authorities’ inaction, attributed to neglect, inattention, and inefficiency, has exacerbated the situation.
Currently, out of 3,451 lots pending disposal, 555 are under litigation at various legal and quasi-judicial forums. This backlog has resulted in significant congestion at port areas and Customs State warehouses, highlighting the inefficiency and maladministration within the Customs, Directorate General of I&I-Customs, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The FTO has recommended that the FBR direct the Member Customs Operations and the Director General I&I-Customs to take immediate action to eliminate this backlog and ensure the destruction of these hazardous goods. This step is crucial to prevent further congestion and potential health, environmental, and social hazards.