ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has achieved a significant milestone by seizing smuggled goods worth Rs3.8 billion in July 2020, marking a 143 percent increase compared to the same month last year, according to a statement released on Thursday.
The historic seizures in July 2020 include a variety of smuggled items such as gutka, betel nuts, skimmed milk, cigarettes, Iranian diesel, tyres, non-duty paid vehicles, narcotics, cloth, gold, and foreign currency. This notable rise in the value of confiscated goods from Rs1.56 billion in July 2019 highlights the intensified efforts by Pakistan Customs to curb smuggling activities.
Pakistan Customs has been rigorously working to safeguard the economic frontiers of the country and protect the local industry. In alignment with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Customs, under the leadership and coordination of various Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) including Police, Frontier Corps, Pakistan Rangers, and the Maritime Security Agency, has launched a nationwide crackdown against the transportation, storage, and sale of smuggled goods.
The comprehensive operation has involved raids on storage facilities known to house smuggled items and intelligence-based operations in major cities such as Quetta, Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, and Multan. These strategic actions are aimed at dismantling the networks of smugglers and preventing the influx of illegal goods into the local markets.
A senior official from Pakistan Customs stated, “Our operations are geared towards not just seizing smuggled goods but also dismantling the entire network that facilitates smuggling. This is a step towards protecting our local industries and ensuring that legal businesses can thrive without unfair competition from smuggled goods.”
The seized items span a wide range of categories, reflecting the diverse nature of smuggling activities. For instance, gutka and betel nuts are often smuggled due to high demand and profitability, while Iranian diesel is frequently trafficked across borders to circumvent fuel regulations. The inclusion of non-duty paid vehicles, narcotics, and foreign currency among the seized items underscores the broader impact of smuggling on the economy and security of Pakistan.
Pakistan Customs has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the momentum against smuggling mafias. With the continued assistance of all LEAs, Pakistan Customs aims to protect the country’s economic interests and support the local industry by eliminating the illegal trade of smuggled goods.
The concerted efforts of Pakistan Customs and LEAs demonstrate a robust approach to tackling smuggling and reinforce the government’s resolve to strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.