ISLAMABAD: Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Islamabad Additional Director and Spokesperson Abdul Waheed Marwat has said that customs authorities seized smuggled goods and articles worth Rs627.6 million during first two months of current fiscal year. He said that Customs Intelligence also registered 228 cases against accused persons and arrested three persons.
During an exclusive interview with Customs Today Abdul Waheed Marwat said that during different operations the customs authorities seized 133 kilograms of fine quality hashish and 24,000 kilograms of narcotics. He said that the newly appointed sepoys will also get training from the Frontier Constabulary.
He said that Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation is decided to establish new check posts across the country and in recent past Customs Intelligence authorities formed new check posts at Sadiqabad area. He said that due to border management measures smuggling will be decreased through Pakistan Afghanistan Transit Trade.
He said that smuggling is destroying our national economy so it is our need of time that our economy should be made documented and we should adopt a system of transparency and check and balance.
Abdul Waheed Marwat said that Customs Intelligence department forwarded various suggestions to FBR headquarters to curb smuggling. He said that if government grant the status of law enforcement agency to Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigations then people will get fruitful results. He said after getting status of law enforcement agency the performance of Customs Intelligence and Investigations will definitely improve.
Spokesman of Directorate of Intelligence and Investigations sais that stern action is being taken against some renowned smugglers with the help and support of other law enforcement agencies. He said Customs Intelligence team impounded 70 non-duty paid vehicles amounting to Rs21,81,63,638 during the month of July and August.
He said that other good which were seized by Customs authorities includes foreign origin cloth amounting to Rs4,98,183,45, black tea Rs2,37,30,150, smuggled diesel Rs1,41,84510, electronics goods Rs36,49,076, blankets and other items.
In answer to a question Abdul Waheed Marwat said that Director General Customs Intelligence and Investigation Imtiaz Ahmad Khan is extending full support to his team and staff in assigning their duties. He said that Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation is in contact with World Customs Organization and Customs Enforcement Network and exchanging our data with them.
He said that Customs Intelligence is enhancing their checking on all major roads of the country to curb smuggling. He said we are also establishing new check posts.
He said that Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigations is pursuing the policy of merit while appointing fresh people. He said that already warns our staff that zero tolerance policy will be adopted against employees who are failed to show outstanding performance. He said that any employee who will found involved in misconduct and other illegal activities will be dealt with iron hands.
He said that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is already investigating anti money laundering cases while investigations against other cases of corruptions are still underway. He said that anybody who have any evidence of corruption in Customs department can easily approach to us.