KARACHI: A TCS delivery vehicle has once again been caught distributing smuggled mobile phones. This incident follows a series of similar cases involving TCS vehicles, aircraft, and employees with high-value smuggled goods.
The case began when credible information was received by Director Mian Masood, relayed to Additional Director Afzal Wattoo at the Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation-Customs, Regional Office, Karachi. The tip-off indicated that certain individuals would attempt to transport foreign-origin, non-duty-paid mobile phones through a Shehzore Pickup belonging to TCS in Karachi, destined for various parts of the country.
Deputy Director Adarsh Jawahir formed a surveillance team led by Superintendents Abid Hussain and Zia Moen. Their efforts led to the interception of the suspect TCS vehicle in Karachi. A thorough examination of the vehicle and its cargo resulted in the recovery of a significant quantity of foreign-origin iPhones, iPads, adapters, and other high-value mobile phones. The TCS employee in the vehicle, Khurram, could not provide any legal documentation to prove lawful possession of the goods, leading to the lodging of a report.
This incident is not isolated. In October 2022, Customs Intelligence & Investigation Karachi issued a notice under Section 171 of the Customs Act 1969 to TCS Express & Logistics Private Limited. The notice highlighted the transportation of smuggled mobile phones, tablets, USBs, and watches in TCS delivery vehicles. Subsequently, I&I Karachi seized a large quantity of smuggled iPhones, smartphones, tablets, USBs, memory cards, and wristwatches from TCS delivery vehicles. An FIR is expected to be lodged against TCS Express & Logistics Private Limited on Monday.
Earlier, in October 2021, I&I Karachi had recovered a substantial amount of mobile phones, tablets, and smart watches from TCS vehicles. This issue dates back even further; in 1996, Customs intercepted a chartered aircraft used by TCS for smuggling and delivering liquor across the country.
Due to intense crackdown on smuggling on the instructions of COAS General Asim Munir, the smugglers are resorting to novel ideas for their dirty business.