PESHAWAR: Director Customs Intelligence and Investigation Dr. Arslan Subuctageen said that I&I generated Rs900 million of revenue through action of seized smuggled goods during FY2017-18.
Talking with Customs Today during an exclusive interview, he said that from July 2017 the Customs I&I catalyzed the anti-smuggling activities of all field formations against smuggled goods. He added that during last Fiscal Year of 2016-17, the anti-smuggling squads of this directorate seized goods worth Rs1585.7 million.
He said that ASO squads of I&I held meetings with all operational staff directing them to enhance vigilance and anti-smuggling operations and keep a watch on web based clearances at various Customs Stations.
He added that I&I Peshawar took many new initiatives by establishing a new mobile squad. He said that newly formed squad has been made for conducting special tasks against notorious elements to stop tax evasion and smuggling activities.
He said that I&I intercepted more than 12 non-duty paid vehicles during month of June FY2017-18 while multiple seizures of smuggled goods including tyres, auto parts, ladies shoes, tiles, cigarettes, mobile phones and other smuggled items were seized.
He said that after he assumed the charge as Director Customs I&I KPK the department held two major auctions. Both auctions were conducted very professionally and successfully, adding that these auctions generated more than Rs.25 million in April whereas the other auction which was held on 14th May FY17-18 and the directorate earned handsome revenue.
Dr. Arslan told that all perishable items which were seized are being put for auction whereas pending adjudication cases are being persuaded as per law and under the provisions of section 169(4) and section 201 of Customs Act 1969.
He told that under pursuance of FBR orders, the I&I Peshawar launched huge crackdown on godown holders at Peshawar and recovered huge quantity of fabric, old auto parts along other items, adding that ASO squads of Customs along with other law enforcement agencies participated in said crackdowns on notorious elements.
He said that I&I Peshawar has developed a close liaison with other LEAs including Motorway police so the crackdown on notorious elements could be carried out continuously within the jurisdiction of KPK and FATA.