KARACHI: Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has lodged an FIR against several persons for smuggling laptops, mobile phones, smart watches and other electronic gadgets by mis-using green channel facility at JIAP Karachi.
Information was that some unscrupulous persons commonly known as “KHAPIAS” are involved in the smuggling of high quality, expensive Mobile phone, Laptop, Air Pod, & Accessories etc. shipped from Dubai via Emirates Airline Flights, by mis-using Green Channel Facility, with the connivance of Customs staff posted at JIAP International Arrival Hall Karachi.
In pursuance of said information a team led by Akmal Hashmi of ASO of the Directorate General launched surveillance and intercepted Daihatsu Mint Car near JIAP Exit Way Signal Karachi loaded with five (5) cardboard canons containing foreign origin Laptop, Air Pod, Apple IPhone, USB, Memory Card & Accessories etc.
Upon cursory inspection paper stickers were found pasted on each cardboard carton showing Flight No. EK-0606 and passengers particulars including Janan Khan, Muhammad Mehtab Alam and Raaz Muhammad.
The driver of the vehicle identified as Asif Rasheed failed to produce legal import documents and informed the passengers had given him the cartons in the parking area of the Airport.
He further informed that he was employed as driver by Syed Waseem Ahmed and goods were to be delivered at Waseem’s residence in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi.
Customs Intelligence determined that SPS Bashir A. Bhutto deliberately did not divert these passengers towards the luggage scanners and facilitated the misuse of Green Channel facility. It was known that SPS Bhutto was present in the arrival hall when the accused passengers passed misusing green channel. His role in the crime would be investigated.
FIR is lodged against Janan Khan, Muhammad Mehtab Alam and Raaz Muhammad, Asif Rasheed and Syed Waseem and investigations are underway..
An official said Director Yaqoob Mako was personally monitoring the anti-smuggling drive, and role of Customs officers/officials are being determined in the facilitation of the crimes.