Customs recover 9,500 cell phones worth over Rs80mn

MULTAN: The customs anti-smuggling squad has recovered around 9,500 cell phones worth over Rs 80 million from a house in cantonment area. Collector Customs Saud Imran on Wednesday while giving a briefing to the media men said, a large number of cell phones including smartphones and key-pad phones were recovered two days ago from a house behind Mall Plaza in cantonment area but did not disclose the identity of tenant and the house owner.

Saud Imran said they have sought information regarding the house owner, tenant and tenancy agreement from the quarters concerned as part of investigations.

He said that Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Tariq Pasha has directed officials to pursue a zero tolerance policy against violators and added that the anti-smuggling squad would continue to conduct such raids to discourage smuggling.

When asked what action had been taken against officials allegedly involved in hiding around 30-35 cell phones from a large recovery from airport some time ago, Saud Imran said that a fact finding committee had been formed to unveil facts. The committee would submit its report next week, he added.

He said that the cell phones seized, according to their assessment, valued around Rs 80-90 million, however, they would consult market players to assess the exact value.

He said that during last few months, the anti-smuggling squad recovered 87 vehicles valuing around Rs 170 million including land cruisers, 90,000 litres smuggled diesel, a container of auto parts, and miscellaneous smuggled items including cigarettes, Indian 'Gutka', 'Sheesha' and others worth Rs 260 million during raids conducted at three godowns.

Some of the smuggled vehicles had been auctioned in a transparent manner, he said.