MULTAN: The Collectorate of Customs, Enforcement, Multan has intensified its anti-smuggling operations against smuggled goods, illegal godowns, and dumping places in line with the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) drive against smuggling. The Collectorate, led by Collector Syed Imran S. Bukhari and Additional Collector Mr. Shah Faisal, has seized NDP-vehicles, smuggled POL, mobile phones, betel nuts, cigarettes, and other items worth Rs. 92.3 million in 44 cases during the first two weeks of December, 2023.
The Collectorate has also established a Facilitation & Training Cell at the Customs House to facilitate trade and international passengers. A meeting of the Divisional Task Force has been scheduled for next week to discuss the movement of essential commodities and anti-smuggling operations and to devise a joint strategy to combat the menace of smuggling.
In a major operation, the Collectorate, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, has arrested two Afghan nationals along with two trucks carrying smuggled goods worth approximately Rs. 23 million. They have been sent to judicial custody and criminal proceedings are underway.
The Collectorate has warned and cautioned all transporter associations and owners of carrier vehicles to ensure that legal documents accompany all imported goods that are being transported by them, otherwise they will face strict legal action resulting in the seizure and confiscation of their vehicles. The Collectorate has also issued strict instructions to the anti-smuggling formations, including mobile squads and airport staff, to keep vigilance on the illicit movement of essential goods, Iranian POL, and currency. The number of ASO squads has been doubled to ensure 24/7 presence on roads.
The Collectorate has expressed its resolve to promote genuine and legal trade activities and to discourage illegal businesses using smuggled goods. It has also appreciated the professional leadership of Dr. Fareed Iqbal Qureshi, the Member Customs (Operation), and the able guidance of Mr. Mirza Mubashir Baig, the Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement-Punjab), Lahore, for their support and encouragement in the anti-smuggling drive.