Pakistan Mint Lahore (PML) has expressed serious concern over scanty security oversight by customs officials of different Model Customs Collectorates (MCCs), transferring huge quantities of gold worth millions to the PML, as in two cases gold worth over Rs 140 million and Rs 90 million shifted sans proper check and balance.
Keeping in view the seriousness of the situation, the FBR has issued instructions to the Collectors of Customs to ensure security of the precious metal (gold) transferred to the PML in future.
According to the FBR's instructions to the field formations, Collectors of Customs shall deal with such sensitive matters in strict compliance and adherence to the rules and procedures/instructions in all such cases regarding deposit of confiscated gold.
The PML communication to the FBR revealed that one sealed box containing confiscated gold weighing 21,763.7 grams has been sent to Pakistan Mint by Customs House, Karachi. This gold valuing more than Rs 90 million was sent through Superintendent Preventive Services. Dispatching of gold having such high value through a superintendent level official is a matter of great concern for the authorities.
Therefore, it is hereby proposed that it will be more appropriate if such consignments may be sent through a team headed by at least Additional Collector level officer, PML added.
Through another communication to the FBR, PML has noted with concern that a consignment containing 2,800 tolas and 2,436.200 grams of confiscated gold have been received by the Mint valuing more than Rs 140 million. Consignment of gold having such huge value be sent to Pakistan Mint through Superintendent Customs State Ware House Lahore is a matter of serious concern. It is reiterated that PML have proposed in the past that such consignments may be sent through a team headed by at least Additional Collector level officer. It is hoped that this arrangement may be adhered to in the future in the best interest of the government.
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