KARACHI: MCC Peshawar has lodged FIR against importer M/s Central Asia Linker and M/s Haji Amir Khan Customs Agent for importing large quantity of foreign origin goods undeclared with other declared goods.
According to details, Meeram Khan of M/s Central Asia Linker imported a consignment from Afghanistan declared to be Afghan origin dry fruits etc. in 12 trailers. The consignment was allowed clearance after 10 percent examination.
Meanwhile a credible information was received from HQ Khyber Rifles Landi Kotal regarding suspicious activity and wrong doings with the goods loaded in two trailers. Collector Peshawar Qurban Ali sought assistance of FC authorities to take the vehicles into safe custody.
The joint team comprising Colonel Tariq Hafeez, Lt. Colonel Mohammad Taufeeq, Major Bilal Ahmed, Major Kashif were along with Additional Collector Samad Khan, Superintendent Mohammad Aslam, Deputy Superintendents Royat Khan and MAhmmod-ul-Hasan and Inspector Tanveer Ahsan brought the goods at NLC Importer Terminal Torkham.
The drivers of the trailers fled the scene taking advantage of darkness but the conductors were arrested.
Detailed Examination found undeclared goods including PVC Panaflex sheet, cigarette paper, skimmed milk powder, and dried onions. Moreover, the weight of declared goods had been grossly under-reported.
Sources said the goods were confiscated while milk powder has been auctioned. Sources said the importer of the said consignment was in Tribal area and political authorities are being contacted for his arrest. An official said Customs authorities can not practice their jurisdiction beyond Jamrod.
This operations is part of anti-smuggling campaign underway having all agencies, institutions and military are onboard. Authorities including military as part of Zarb-e-Azb has launched a crackdown against smuggling, as money made through this dirty business is the prime source of funding terrorist and anti-social groups.
It may recalled that Customs I&I Peshawar in 2014 had seized three trailers of the same importer and the consignment comprised auto engines and auto parts, which were undeclared. Two FIRs have already been lodged against the said importer.
It was known that these importers claimed themselves to be operatives of sensitive agencies and black mailed the officials.
Chief Collector Enforcement Zahid Khokhar and Collector Quetta Saeed Jadoon had met with IJ FC Major General Sher Afghan and as anti-smuggling strategy Quetta Chaman border was sealed.
An association of smugglers named Laghadai Welfare Association resorted to protest against Customs and FC.
Chairman FBR Nisar Mohammad Khan has tasked DG I&I Imtiaz Ahmed, Chief Collector Enforcement Zahid Khokhar, Collector Quetta and Director I&I Imran Tahir to eliminate supply of smuggled goods through Quetta-Chaman border.
Similarly Chief Collector Sarwat Tahira Habib, Collector Peshawar Qurban Ali and Director I&I Asghar Khan to eliminate supply of smuggled goods via Torkham-Peshawar.
An official said Customs authorities were receiving threats from several quarters.