LAHORE: Deputy Collector Customs Adjudication Mohammad Hassan Farid has issued ONO No 288/2017, declaring seizure of a Mitsubishi Pajero jeep as legal.
According to the details, Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) team, under the supervision of Superintendent Sajjad Bukhari, intercepted a Mitsubishi Pajero jeep bearing registration no. LOP-196 near Ichhra Bazaar, Ferozpur Road. The person on the driving seat claimed ownership of the vehicle and identified himself as Arif Javed. On demand, the owner produced only registration book of the vehicle and requested to allow time for submission of valid proof showing lawful import of the vehicle.
The particulars available on the said registration book were cross-checked with the computerized record of the Motor Registration Authority against registration number LOP-196 which tallied. However, it revealed the number was altered to a Mitubishi Pajero jeep bearing chassis no. CONV440PJ00348 of 1992 model. The ASO team forwarded the case to Customs Adjudication for further proceedings.
Customs Adjudication issued show cause notice to the owner asking him to explain his position. The owner appeared before deputy collector and claimed that the said jeep was brought into the country through legal import vide IGM 2224/92 dated 10.11.1992, imported by Nazir Begum, Kucha Mian Juman Lahore. During the proceedings, the owner also showed his willingness to pay duty and taxes. After hearing the plea, Deputy Collector Farid directed the release of the vehicle after payment of 20 percent redemption fee.