The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has directed all collectors of customs that the confiscated vehicles should not be used for private purposes. Sources told Business Recorder here on Thursday that a large number of confiscated vehicles are being used in all the collectorates of customs. This clearly indicates misuse of powers by the collectors as well as the CBR.
The CBR has asked the collectors to take away all such vehicles from the customs officials except the vehicles, which are essentially required for anti-smuggling activities. In this connection, the CBR has issued instructions to all collectors of customs for immediate compliance.
The Board received a number of complaints regarding misuse of confiscated cars by the custom officials. The CBR issued directives to the field formation for controlling misuse of vehicles by the customs. It, however, has again intimated the collectors that CBR's directives are not properly implemented and custom officials are constantly misusing the seized vehicles.
The collectors and directors should personally re-confirm that the confiscated vehicles allocated to officials/mobile squads within the collectorate and to other subordinates offices of CBR/other anti-smuggling agencies, are being used after obtaining permission of the Board.
The CBR has also directed the collectors of customs that the vehicles should be in possession of the authorised personnel only.
The collectors should also ensure that the vehicles are being used for operational purposes. For this purpose, the record of vehicles, including the log-book is being properly maintained.