In the initial five months of the current fiscal year, Customs Intelligence Karachi has seized an astounding Rs. 5 billion in smuggled goods, marking a remarkable 570 percent increase compared to the Rs. 747 million seized during the same period last year.
This significant upswing aligns with the Federal government’s commitment to combat illicit activities such as smuggling, under-invoicing, misdeclaration in imports, and money laundering.
The Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation-Customs Karachi, in line with the government’s initiative, has intensified efforts to crack down on smuggling activities. Improved coordination with other law enforcement agencies, particularly Sindh Rangers, Police, and sister intelligence agencies, has targeted traditionally challenging areas for smuggled goods, including Yousuf Goth, Sohrab Goth, Aram Bagh, Joria Bazar, Lee Market, Sheershah, and Tariq Road.
This collaborative approach, backed by unprecedented support from various law enforcement agencies, has enabled Customs Intelligence Karachi to seize goods valued at billions, even in the face of resistance from miscreants. The operations have not only resulted in substantial financial losses and arrests for smugglers but have also dispelled the notion of certain areas being considered as “no-go” places.
Seized smuggled goods encompass a wide range of items, including fabric, cigarettes, betel-nuts, tyres, auto parts, and electronics. The Customs Intelligence unit has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness by seizing goods worth over Rs. 5 billion in the first five months of the fiscal year, a stark contrast to the Rs. 747 million seized during the same period last year.
As part of a comprehensive strategy, the supervision of all import and export Customs clearances at seaports and airports has been enhanced through heightened vigilance. Resultantly, cases of under-invoicing, mis-declaration, and misuse of concessions, totaling more than Rs. 5.4 billion, have been identified on the trade side in the last five months.
In a parallel effort to curb the illegal flight of dollars, five cases of money laundering involving an illicit transfer of $150 million were detected. FIRs were lodged, and the Anti-Money Laundering Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was engaged to track down Hawala/Hundi operators facilitating these transfers.
Customs Intelligence Karachi, acting as the vigilant eyes and ears of the Customs Department, issued several advance alerts as preemptive measures for corrections in advance. This proactive approach is believed to have played a crucial role in significantly increasing revenue on imports collected through the four Karachi-based Appraisement Collectorates and one Air Freight Unit.
The Director General expressed appreciation for the commendable efforts of Director Habib Ahmad and his team, including Additional Directors Afzal Watto, Inamullah Wazir, Deputy Directors Wasif Malik, and Saud Khan. Their dedication and effectiveness in enforcing information-based actions have not only curtailed illicit activities but also contributed to enhancing revenue collection and strengthening the integrity of customs operations in Karachi.
