ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) of the Model Customs Collectorate has evolved a new strategy to impound non-duty paid vehicles in Islamabad during the second quarter (from October to December) in the financial year 2017-18.
In an exclusive interview with Customs today, ASO Assistant Collector Majid Hussain Gadd said that besides acting against non-duty paid vehicles, the department will also create a network of informers and will develop liaison with other law enforcement agencies.
He said Dr. Saeed Khan Jadoon, Collector MCC Islamabad, has developed a new strategy to make the ASO Islamabad more effective during the next Quarter (October to December) FY17-18. He added that the new strategy will be helpful to check the illegal and unregistered vehicles by the quick response force led by Custom House Officer Shahrukh Butt. The ASO will enhance its maximum surveillance in the region, he further said.
Talking about the 1st-Quarter of FY17-18, the Assistant Collector told CT that, during 1st Quarter, the ASO Islamabad took nine NDP vehicles into possession valued at Rs14.866million from different locations under the jurisdictions of MCC Islamabad. He added that, during above said period, the ASO confiscated 632 mobile phones worth Rs9.494million.
Majid Gadd stated that, during said period, the ASO registered 41 extra cases against 1st Quarter of corresponding FY2016-17. During 1st Quarter FY17-18, the ASO registered 128 seizures priced at Rs21.425million while the ASO impounded 47 offending vehicles valued at Rs51.900million. During said period, the ASO took into possession goods and vehicles worth Rs88.192million.
He said that, during 1st Quarter FY16-17, the ASO registered 87 cases against smugglers and tax evaders whereas the ASO Islamabad impounded various kinds of smuggling goods valued at Rs39.17million. During said period of FY16-17, the ASO impounded 11 NDP vehicles worth Rs35.05million whereas ASO Islamabad took into possession 33 offending vehicles valued at Rs33.00million. The ASO collected total revenue by taking above said goods and vehicles into possession worth Rs107.22million.
Answering a query regarding establishing of Car Cell, the Assistant Collector ASO Gadd said exclusively for seizure of smuggled vehicles, the Car Cell was established on 28th of March 2016. The Car Cell has been equipped with squads, vehicles, laptops and it also has a countrywide data to deal with the NDP vehicles. The Car Cell of the MCC Islamabad impounded 35 NDP vehicles during FY16-17 whereas it did 28 NDP vehicles during the same period of FY15-16.