LAHORE: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) has seized smuggled goods worth Rs2 billion across Punjab in three months on the directives of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials.
“From now on, the Customs Intelligence also seize vehicles used for smuggling items for at least two or three times,” Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation Director Saima Aftab told the media.
The seized goods include Indian cosmetics, tyres, dry fruit, dry milk, juice, welding equipment, clothes and curtains.
Besides, other prohibited items have also been seized. The proceeds from the early auction of dry fruit, dry milk and other items would be deposited in the national exchequer.
Director Saima Aftab said that the non-customs duty paid goods had been seized while taking effective measures to curb smuggling across the province.
“The operations have been carried out in the last three months in Lahore and other parts of Punjab including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Gujarat, Sialkot and Okara,” she added.
The official said several containers of smuggled goods had been seized and were shifted to the Customs warehouse.
A few days ago, five containers loaded with clothes worth millions of rupees were seized during an operation in Lahore’s Azam Cloth Market.