Model Customs Collectorate (MCC), Islamabad, generated a handsome amount of approximately Rs 55 million from grand public auction of confiscated vehicles, bikes and other consignments.
Sources told Business Recorder on Sunday that publicity of the auction had been done by the MCC to create awareness among the masses. Even banners were displayed outside different places like MCC, Peshawar etc.
Under the supervision of customs officials, it was ensured that the general public was encouraged to participate in the customs auction instead of professional auctioneers. This was only possible due to the active supervision and monitoring of the concerned customs authorities. Next auction is expected in the first week of June 2016.
People from Peshawar, twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and other cities participated in the auction. A total of 63 vehicles, including, luxury vehicles, five bikes and other items were auctioned during the auction held on May 19.
During the last two auctions, the MCC was able to generate around Rs 105 billion. Last grand public auction was held in mid-April in which customs auctioned goods of around Rs 50 million.
It is important to mention here that the amount collected through public auctions has suddenly witnessed a major jump following the assumption of charge of the new Collector of Customs MCC Islamabad few months back.
The confiscation of multi-million drugs during the last few months also points towards interception of such consignments by the MCC Islamabad.
Meanwhile, MCC has taken a number of major anti-smuggling actions during the last few months. Revenue has been generated through administrate measures taken by the Collector MCC Islamabad. The effective policy of anti-smuggling has resulted in increased number of confiscated goods which were ultimately auctioned to generate additional revenue.
Specially, the MCC Islamabad has successfully controlled smuggling of mobile phone sets from the airport. It is a big achievement of the MCC Islamabad that the carriers have totally stopped smuggling of mobile phones from the Islamabad airport. The organised gangs of smugglers of mobile phones are avoiding the route of Islamabad airport due to vigilance and strict monitoring by the customs, sources said.
At the same time, customs authorities and National Highways Authority (NHA) are regularly interacting to curb the menace of smuggling from the Motorways through a co-ordinated effort of customs department and the NHA authorities. The effective, durable and close co-ordination between the relevant government agencies would completely eradicate the chances of smuggling through Motorways.
This is a serious attempt of the customs department of Islamabad and NHA to check smuggling of goods through motorways.
The strategy covers co-ordinated enforcement actions to timely intercept vehicles carrying smuggled goods.
The Customs staff at Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad seized a huge consignment of 21 antiques, containing Buddha statues, vases, pots and other statues, etc. It is learnt that out of these 21 antiques, the Director General Archaeology and Museums Islamabad had confirmed 10 items to be priceless, as defined under section 2 (b) and (c) of the Antiquities Act 1975, while remaining 11 have been identified as artefacts. The value of the antiques is in millions.
The Collector Customs Islamabad has praised the performance of Customs Staff of Islamabad International Airport on this outstanding performance.
Meanwhile, mobile squad MCC Islamabad recently in two different actions intercepted a Mazda truck on motorway with huge quantity of smuggled cloth.
Pakistan Customs staff of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.750kg of fine quality heroin to UK by post through International Mail Office (IMO) Chaklala.
In recent past, a successful anti-smuggling operation of Model Customs Collectorate Islamabad resulted in a major seizure of consignment of Indian origin, smuggled, sexual potency enhancement drugs and 670 sets of mobile phones to the tune of millions of rupees.
Based on data analysis of smuggling trends and information-based actions, the MCC Islamabad has chalked out a comprehensive strategy to check smuggling of consignments.