Director General of Intelligence & Investigation-Customs, Lahore Range demonstrates exceptional performance during the fiscal year 2023-24, particularly in the month of March 2024. The team achieved unprecedented success in both anti-smuggling and enforcement activities.
Lahore Customs rigorously upheld the zero-tolerance policy against smuggling and evasion, as directed by the DG, leading to remarkable results despite limited resources. Under the proficient management of Director Mr. Muhammad Haris Ansari, meticulous planning and precise execution of tax laws were implemented, contributing to extraordinary outcomes.
The field teams were diligently supervised by Additional Director Ch. Rizwan Bashir Kalair. Notable achievements during March 2024 include:
A. Anti-Smuggling Drive (March 2024): The Anti-smuggling wing of Customs Intelligence Lahore recorded 57 seizure cases valued at Rs. 558 million, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
Key Features of Seizures:
- Foreign Origin (F/o.) NDP Vehicles: 30 Nos. valued at Rs. 244 million
- F/o. Cloth/Fabric: 32,223 Kgs. valued at Rs. 104 million
- F/o. Cigarettes: 488,000 sticks valued at Rs. 22 million
- F/o. POL Product: 61,100 Ltrs. valued at Rs. 16 million
- F/o. Betel Nuts: 7,390 Kgs. valued at Rs. 11 million
- F/o. Auto/Spare Parts: 648 Nos. & 2468 Kgs. valued at Rs. 11 million
- F/o. Tyres: 176 Nos. valued at Rs. 6 million
- F/o. Miscellaneous goods: valued at Rs. 144 million
Operations were conducted in collaboration with the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
B. Investigation & Prosecution (I&P) Branch: In March 2024, the Directorate lodged 07 FIRs and apprehended 01 offender. During the current fiscal year (2023-24), 64 FIRs were lodged, leading to the arrest of 42 offenders.
C. Anti-Evasion Drive (Enforcement) FY 2023-24: During the first nine months of the fiscal year, the Enforcement branch detected evasion cases amounting to Rs. 13,102 million, involving duty & taxes worth Rs. 4181 million. This marks a 42% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
Combined Revenue Realized (ASO+ENF) (July 2023 – March 2024): Revenue realized through auction/recovery of duty & taxes by the ASO & Enforcement branches totaled Rs. 515 million during FY 2023-24.
Director General Customs Intelligence, Ch. Faiz Ahmad Chadhar commended the Lahore team for their exceptional achievements, emphasizing their integral role in the nationwide campaign against smuggling and tax evasion. He praised the coordinated efforts of the Directorate General of Customs Intelligence and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Furthermore, he acknowledged the dedication and planning of Director Mr. Muhammad Haris Ansari, and the active supervision and coordination of Additional Director Ch. Rizwan Bashir Kalair, along with the contributions of other team members. The Directorate expressed its steadfast commitment to combat smuggling and tax evasion effectively.
