Model Customs Collectorate (MCC), Exports, Port Qasim on Thursday claimed to have foiled an attempt to misuse the facility of Export Processing Zone (EPZ) to bring substantial quantity of banned Indian origin goods and other high value items in the country.

According to details, the action was taken on a tip-off, which revealed that some unscrupulous elements were planning to misuse the facility of EPZ by mis-declaring the goods in the system.

Reacting to this information, MCC Exports, PMBQ accordingly mounted vigilance of consignments landed at port and destined for EPZ.

It was suspected that attempt would be made to misuse the facility for clearance of Indian origin banned goods as well as high value and high duty items under the garb of second hand clothing.

The MCC Exports stated that three containers, which were said to have carried secondhand clothes consigned to M/s. COASTEX Private Limited, Plot No 3, D6 Sector, Phase-2, KEPZ, Karachi arrived at Karachi Port.

The aforementioned investor applied online through Unique User ID and EPZ Authority issued NOC for removal of goods. However, the Collectorate got the containers detained at port and conducted physical examination immediately that resulted in the recovery of significant quantity of Indian origin cosmetics, artificial jewelry, kutch-block besides other high tariff items including copper tubing of USA, paint marker (Water Proof) of Japan and others. The accumulated amount of duty and taxes are estimated to Rs 36 million.

The FIR has been lodged against the suspects and further investigation is underway.