Betal nuts containers: MCC seeks FBR's nod for initiating action against officers

Model Customs Collectorate, Preventive, Karachi has sought go-ahead from Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take punitive measures against Customs officials involved in the clearance of 14 containers of betel nuts. According to details, the MCC, Preventive confiscated 14 containers carried 180,400 kgs of betel nuts worth Rs 44.373 million from two warehouses in Karachi.
These containers were imported from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and after clearance from MCC Port Qasim, Karachi these containers were dumped at M/s Bhatti (open yard) near Maripur Truck stand and M/s Mumtaz warehouse near Stell Mills. After detailed examination of all 14 containers, it was transpired that these containers carried 180,400kgs of betel nuts. The value of seized betel nuts was estimated to Rs 44.373 million while the leviable duty and taxes on betel nuts was computed to Rs 45.53 million. However the importers through misdeclaration evaded duty and taxes amounting to Rs 43.86 million. Consequent upon recovery, the FIR has been lodged but the department did not nominate any Customs officials in it.
Replying to a question, the sources said that MCC Preventive instead of nominating the names of responsible Customs officials in the FIR communicated their names with FBR in order to get approval for taking punitive measures against them.
Sources further said the department was waiting for approval from the FBR and once they got go-ahead, no customs officials, involved in this heinous crime, would be spared from disciplinary action.