Karachi: Customs Intelligence has initiated stringent measures to curb illegal activities under new regulations. Following the issuance of assessment alerts, three First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against multiple individuals involved in the unauthorized removal of iron and steel products from the public bonded warehouse M/s Pakistan Industries in Karachi.
Director Intelligence and Investigation (I&I), Mian Masood, orchestrated a task force comprising Additional Director Imran Lilah, Deputy Director Adarsh Jawahir, Assistant Director Saud Hasan, and Principal Appraiser Zakaullah. This team undertook a thorough investigation and uncovered unlawful removals of bonded goods from the public warehouse.
The Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Karachi, received an alert indicating that importer M/s Pakistan Steel Imports Company (NTN: 0984678) had illicitly removed goods imported via 13 Into Bond Goods Declaration (GDs) from the public bonded warehouse, Pakistan Steel Imports Company (Warehouse No. 2-2015). The removal occurred without paying the assessed duties, taxes, and other charges as mandated under Section 104 of the Customs Act, 1969. In response, a verification team from Port Qasim Collectorate was deployed to confirm the accuracy of this information.
On December 12, 2024, the inspection team visited the warehouse premises and verified the balance quantities of the into-bond goods. Their findings revealed that the goods had indeed been illegally removed without paying the requisite duties and taxes. The inspection team identified the 13 Into Bond GDs specified in the alert, which were integral to the FIR.
As a result, FIRs were lodged by MCC Port Qasim, MCC Appraisement East, and MCC Appraisement West against Muhammad Ahmed Chobdar and Tariq Chobdar of M.A.C Steel Company and Pakistan Steel Import Company.
An official spokesperson stated that the I&I is operating efficiently and has commenced a broader crackdown on the illegal removal of goods from bonded warehouses. This initiative is expected to result in multiple FIRs against various individuals involved in such crimes.