QUEETTA: In a significant breakthrough, Customs officials at the NLC Dry Port in Quetta have successfully dismantled a cartel involved in a sophisticated pilferage scheme. The operation, spearheaded by Chief Collector Yaqoob Mako, Collector Jameel Baloch, Deputy Collector Ali Haider Moosani, and Assistant Collector Akhtar Amin, led to the filing of two First Information Reports (FIRs) with more likely to follow.
The investigation began when a consignment entered the NLC Dry Port, Quetta, on December 9, 2024, under Transshipment Permit (TP) No. TAFT-TP-16614-21-10-2024. The consignment was imported by M/s. Dastagir Enterprises (NTN No. 4752936) through their clearing agent M/s. Sadiq Toba Wal & Company (Chal No. 919). The Goods Declaration (GD) filed for Home Consumption described 2,648 packages/cartons of mixed foodstuff, including chocolates, candy, toffee, and coffee, as per section 79 of the Customs Act, 1969.
The initial weighment at Askari Weigh Bridge indicated a net weight of 19,860 kg. However, upon examination at the NLC Dry Port, the consignment was found to contain approximately 1,500 packages/cartons of assorted chocolates, candy, toffee, and Lavashak Fruit Layer (Chatni) of Iranian origin. A subsequent re-weighing revealed a net weight of 17,725 kg, raising suspicions of foul play.
The consignment’s journey began at Taftan Border Terminal on October 19, 2024, transported on an Iranian truck and later transloaded onto a Pakistani truck. Notably, the goods entered the NLC Dry Port on December 9, 2024, after an unprecedented delay of twenty days, violating Rule 339(1) which mandates a two-day transit time.
Comparative analysis of the transloading report and the actual cargo uncovered significant discrepancies. The report indicated 2,648 packages/cartons of high-end mixed foodstuff, while the examination found a substitution with low-end goods, particularly 1,300 cartons of Lavashak Fruit Layer. Additionally, only 35 out of 62 different foodstuff items were found, confirming the pilferage.
It was concluded that the actual imported goods were pilfered and substituted en route in collusion with the bonded carrier, and the tracking company, M/s. TPL Tracker Ltd, Karachi. The deliberate acts of pilferage and substitution, orchestrated by the importer M/s. Dastagir Enterprises, their clearing agent, and accomplices, resulted in an evasion of duties and taxes amounting to PKR 29,657,395. The total value of the offending goods, including the vehicle, was estimated at PKR 53,428,428.
The Customs officials have lodged an FIR before the Honorable Special Judge Customs, Quetta, and further investigations are underway. The conduct of staff from the Directorate of Transit Trade, Quetta, is also under scrutiny.
The incident has created a climate of fear, causing a significant slowdown in the filing of Goods Declarations at Quetta NLC Dry Port. The import of hydrocarbon solvent, used as a fuel additive, saw a drastic reduction in clearances, with only 80 tankers released compared to the usual 800.
In the wake of the operation, Yaqoob Mako has been transferred to Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA), and a very high profile officer Irfan-ur-Rehman has been appointed as the new Chief Collector of Balochistan.