Chemicals used in narcotics preparation: Pakistan to take steps under transit trade rules

Pakistan will take strict measures to control use of precursors and chemical substances in narcotics or psychotropic substances under the new Afghan Transit Trade Rules 2011. Sources told Business Recorder here on Wednesday that the new Afghan Transit Trade Rules 2011 have introduced a provision for the control of precursors and chemical substances under the new Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA).
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has drafted new rules to effectively check the use of precursors and chemical substances particularly in Afghanistan. According to the draft of the Afghan Transit Trade Rules 2011, necessary measures shall be taken to prevent diversion of substances frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, without prejudice of the legitimate interests of the illicit trade and industry.
The government of Afghanistan on its own initiative declares that it will not allow import of acetic anhydride acid as at present it has no illicit use in that country. However, as and when requisite industries are developed, its import will be reviewed by the Government of Afghanistan and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), exporting countries and contracting party through whose territories this controlled substance is to be transited will be notified.
With regard to the controlled substances listed in the Protocol-IV of APTTA, the importer shall obtain special permission of the government of the importing contracting party (Pakistan or Afghanistan). A copy of the permission letter shall be sent to the Contracting Party through which the goods shall be transited, which shall allow clearance on receipt of the permission letter. In case permission letter is not received at the time of submission of Goods Declaration, the competent authority of the Contracting Party through which the Controlled Substances are being transited shall forward a copy of the export authorisation/bill of lading to the competent authority of the importing Contracting Party and the Controlled Substances Declaration shall be allowed clearance only when the importing Contracting Party has given its consent.
The containers carrying controlled substances mentioned in the APTTA shall be subject to hundred percent examination of goods being high risk. Without prejudice to any possible implementation of technical enforcement measures, shipments shall be suspended if, in the opinion of either Contracting Party, there are reasonable grounds to believe that controlled substances may be diverted to the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, new Afghan Transit Trade Rules 2011 added.