HYDERABAD: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Hyderabad, Customs Preventive Sukkur, has confiscated foreign origin non-duty-paid 366 smuggling cartons of chocolates valued at Rs527040 involving duties and taxes of Rs365765 during an action near the check-post, Dera Morr, during October 2017-18.
The item was being smuggled from Iran into Pakistan.
Following strict instructions by Hyderabad Customs Collector Akhlaq Ahmad Khattaq, ASO team conducted various anti-smuggling activities to protect national exchequer. The team, headed by Additional Collector Customs Hyderabad Dr Aamer Nawaz Hamid, constituted a raiding party comprising Inspector Zulfiqar Jamali, In-charge Customs Check-Post, Dera More, and Inspectors, Sepoys, Drivers and other staff.
The team intercepted a vehicle near customs check-post and recovered above said foreign origin non-duty-paid cartons. The market value of the item is Rs892805 including duties and taxes.
Prior to the recovery, officials asked the driver to produce any legal document about the possession of the item, but he was unable to produce anything legal, so the consignment was seized.
A case was registered and an investigation was also started. After making a seizure report, the team deposited the impounded cartons into the Sukkur State Warehouse.
Officials said vigilance has been enhanced against the smuggling of vehicles on roads.