Customs authorities at Margalla Dry Port have foiled an attempt to bring in large quantity of liquor under the cover of furniture and consumer items on import of a container from China.
Sources told Business Recorder on Monday that the customs officials at Islamabad Dry Port recently processed clearance of a container from China during routine checking of imported goods. The customs became suspicious when the importer declared vinegar along with other edible items from China. On de-sealing of the container, it was found that over 120 bottles of Chinese liquor were concealed in the furniture and consumer items.
The customs officials have registered a case against the importer under Customs Act, 1969 and have also filed an FIR against the involved persons, including customs clearing agent.
The container has been confiscated by customs officials and necessary action is under way against the importer, sources added. The ongoing misdeclaration and under-invoicing of goods from China has been reported from time to time. But it seems that no proper mechanism is in place to control such frauds.
It may be recalled that the Directorate General, Intelligence and Investigation, Customs and Excise, had unearthed a mega scam of under-invoicing related to import of miscellaneous items including toys, electronics and baby garments from China. It detected massive evasion of duties and taxes on import of Chinese goods cleared through Margalla Dry Port, Islamabad, during last few years.
Chinese customs had assured Pakistan customs that export consignments from China would carry complete and correct documentation, including IGM, invoice and packing list, with accurate weight and description, sources said.
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