The Karachi Customs have seized nearly 900 air conditioners in an alleged smuggling attempt.
Customs authorities in Karachi say they have seized hundreds of new air conditioners and other electronic appliances after uncovering an alleged attempt to import the goods under the guise of scrap.
According to official documents, four consignments arriving from the United States were declared as scrap during the customs clearance process. However, a detailed inspection of the containers reportedly uncovered 897 new air conditioners, 113 dehumidifiers and three water dispensers.
Customs officials estimate the value of the seized goods at approximately Rs63.39 million.
Authorities allege that the importers were attempting to evade customs duties and taxes worth nearly Rs47.95 million by falsely declaring the shipments. An FIR has been registered against Sharif Enterprises and its clearing agent in connection with the case.
Officials say the consignments were imported under the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS), which they allege was misused to bring commercial goods into the country. The recovered items have been confiscated under Section 168 of the Customs Act.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also launched an internal inquiry into the incident.
As part of the departmental action, the FBR has transferred Additional Collector Yawar Nawaz and Deputy Collector Aqsa Aslam over their alleged involvement or negligence in connection with the suspected misuse of the Export Facilitation Scheme.
According to the documents, charge sheets have been prepared against both officers and formal departmental proceedings are expected to follow.
The investigation into the alleged smuggling attempt and possible violations of customs regulations is continuing.
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