Around 1200 cell-phones worth Rs 47.5 millions have been confiscated by the Directorate Intelligence and Investigation (DI&I) Customs, Karachi at Air Freight Unit (AFU). According to DI&I officials, the action was taken on a tip-off, which revealed that some unscrupulous elements were importing huge quantity of cell phones from UAE and would make an attempt to clear the same by declaring it as auto parts consignment at AFU, Karachi.
Reacting on the information, the staff of DI&I, Karachi was directed to mount strict vigilance at AFU to avoid the release of said consignment. Later, the enforcement staff of DI&I, Karachi intercepted a transport vehicle outside AFU, Karachi and recovered over 1200 cell phones worth around Rs 47.5 million, which was imported from UAE and was cleared as auto parts consignment by the customs staff. Consequent upon seizure, a driver of the vehicle was taken into custody and the case has been registered. Further investigation was underway.
Meanwhile, sources in DI&I who did not want to be named, told that the clearance of cell-phones consignment through incorrect declaration was continued for long in connivance with the customs and DI&I officials. However, the on-duty DI&I staff was unaware about the said familiar terms with the importer due to the retirement of its one of the senior enforcement officer that led the said seizure, sources maintained.