KARACHI: An FIR has been lodged before the Special Judge (Customs, Taxation & Anti-Smuggling-1) in Karachi, following a significant operation conducted by Customs authorities. Under the supervision of Chief Collector Nasir Jamil, a rigorous crackdown on illicit activities continues as Customs tightens controls across various stations.
Credible information was received by Collector Naveed Ilahi and subsequently forwarded to Deputy Collector Saima Butt, indicating suspicious activity involving a container bearing the number GVCU5102363 and linked to BL No. OOLU2737414350. This consignment, which had arrived at Karachi Port, was suspected of being imported under fraudulent circumstances, utilizing forged documents to clear a shipment of fireworks.
Acting on this tip-off, the consignment was scanned, revealing a discrepancy between the declared contents (clothing items such as shirts and pants) and the actual goods. Consequently, a comprehensive physical examination was conducted at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) by a joint team, including KICT Examination Staff, officials from the Intelligence Branch (AIB), and a representative from the Department of Explosives.
According to Serial No. 46 of Part-1 of Appendix-13 of the Import Policy Order 2022, fireworks classified under PCT heading Code 3604.1000 are subject to stringent import regulations. These regulations require compulsory physical examination by explosives experts, with the Department of Explosives, Ministry of Industries, granting import permissions only to applicants with valid licenses under the Explosive Rules of 2010. However, in this case, the consignment was falsely declared as clothing, attempting to bypass these stringent checks.
The act of the importer and their accomplices constitutes multiple offenses under Section 2(s), 16, 32(1) of the Customs Act, 1969, and Section 3(1) of the Import & Export (Control) Act, 1950. These offenses are punishable under clauses 1, 8(b) & 14 of Section 156 (1) of the Customs Act, 1969, and Section 3(3) of the Import & Export (Control) Act, 1950, along with relevant provisions of SRO 499(1)/2009 dated 13-06-2009. Additionally, the consignment is subject to confiscation.
The Customs authorities, under Chief Collector Nasir Jamil’s supervision, are vigorously pursuing a crackdown on unscrupulous elements, ensuring compliance with legal and safety regulations and cornering wrongdoers across various stations.