ISLAMABAD: The Model Customs Collectorate impounded 131 non-duty paid vehicles and other vehicles being used for smuggling worth Rs 162.39 million during first five months (July-November) of financial year 2016-17.
Deputy Collector Shahid Jan said that performance of Anti Smuggling Organisation (ASO), especially car cell of Customs Preventive remained satisfactory during the said period. He informed that the car cell impounded 64 non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 98.99 million, besides the ASO impounding 67 vehicles worth Rs 63.4 million under Section 157 of the Customs Act, 1969.
Only in November, the ASO foiled various smuggling attempts and impounded 16 vehicles being used for smuggling worth Rs 18.6 million, while the car cell impounded 13 non-duty paid vehicles worth Rs 26.03 million during the same period.
The deputy collector further said that Customs North Region Chief Collector Sarwat Tahira Habib has sent appreciation note on showing outstanding performance, adding that Islamabad Customs Collector Arslan Subuctageen also hailed the performance of ASO and car cell.
He added that both departments were doing their best to curb smuggling and generating revenue in order tom meet revenue targets for second quarter of the fiscal year. The car cell impounded Toyota Corolla, Vitz, Suzuki Pick up half cut, Mercedes cars, Toyota Hiace vans, Toyota Surf, Toyota Prado and other vehicles during the said period.
The ASO impounded different kind of offending vehicles, including Hino trucks, Isuzu trucks, passenger buses, Bedford trucks, Pick up, Toyota Hiace, Toyota cars, Mercedes-Benz cars and others.
The deputy collector concluded that the department was showing good performance under the supervision of Collector Dr Arslan and it will be improved further.