Karachi: The Collectorate of Customs (Appraisement-West) has unearthed a large-scale import fraud involving M/S Al Noor Feed Industry, resulting in a significant revenue loss of approximately Rs. 104 million to the national exchequer.
The case was detected following information provided by Collector Naveed Ilahi, with Deputy Collector Saima Zeb Butt and spearheading the investigation. The credit if this detection goes to Assistant collector Yusra Rasool and Appraising Officer Naqeebullah. The probe unveiled a sophisticated scheme of misdeclaration, in which high-value goods were falsely declared as low-duty items, including some banned substances.
Registered under FIR No. 02/2025, the case highlighted the misuse of the Green Channel Facility—a mechanism designed for expedited clearance of low-risk shipments. Officials revealed that all assessments were controlled by the Central Assessment Unit (CAU), effectively sidelining local customs collectors, leading to potential exploitation of the system.
The investigation focused on M/S Al Noor Feed Industry (NTN: 7201201), with proprietors Murtaza and Muhammad Saad (alias Haji) named as the primary accused. The importer declared goods such as “Rice Husk waste, chickpeas, and brown-eyed beans” under HS Code 2302.5000. However, physical inspections at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) uncovered high-value items, including: Soya bean, Shelled almonds, Betel nuts and Monosodium Glutamate (banned).
In total, 755 MT of misdeclared goods valued at Rs. 206 million were recovered. Investigators found the importer had used forged invoices and falsified bills of lading to carry out the fraud.
The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Customs Act, 1969, the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950, the Sales Tax Act, 1990, and the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. Charges include forgery, misdeclaration, and duty evasion. Authorities are actively pursuing those involved, including the proprietors of M/S Al Noor Feed Industry.
“This is a deliberate and calculated act of fraud aimed at depriving the nation of rightful revenue while smuggling banned goods,” said Mr. Zia Ur Rehman, Appraising Officer at the Collectorate of Customs. “We will take strict action to ensure accountability and prevent such crimes.”
Officials pointed to systemic flaws, citing the Green Channel as a hub for revenue loss and organized smuggling. Concerns were raised over the lack of audits and attention to the misuse of customs facilities. The incident underscores the need for stricter measures and heightened oversight to prevent similar cases in the future.
There is very little scanning of consignments in green channel, and audit would result in detection of massive revenue loss.
The case has been forwarded to the Special Judge (Customs, Taxation & Anti-Smuggling) in Karachi for further legal action. Investigations are ongoing to uncover other potential accomplices.