The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has directed all Collectors of customs to intensify efforts for seizing smuggled general merchandise to protect the local industry.
Sources told Business Recorder here on Saturday that the CBR wants to ensure that the Collectors should not confine their anti-smuggling activities to narcotics and arms/ammunition but should effectively check smuggling of general merchandise. For this purpose, customs have been given powers for carrying out anti-smuggling operations for seizing smuggled merchandise.
CBR said that Collectors should forthwith devise strategy to strengthen border posts and stations to effectively check the menace of smuggling and incorrect declarations.
The CBR has also directed Collectors to strengthen their information network to ensure that they receive credible and timely information and that there is no increase in smuggling.
The anti-smuggling staff will operate only on the orders and direct supervision of an officer not below the rank of Assistant Collector of Customs.
However, all anti-smuggling operations should be information based ie staff will operate to interdict smuggling only on receipt of specific information.
The anti-smuggling squads should have to submit information about the operation including name/designation of officer receiving information and outcome of raid.
The CBR has further directed Collectors that these changes have been made to check the misuse of authority and corruption. Customs shall, however, continue to remain responsible and shall make all-out efforts for the prevention of smuggling of all types of smuggled goods.