Smuggling charges: FBR disbands Customs Intelligence Wing

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has dissolved its Customs Intelligence department due to alleged involvement in smuggling and poor performance.

A notification to this effect has been issued by the FBR chairman under the directives of the Prime Minister.

Under the new directives, the FBR Customs Intelligence and Investigation division will be restricted and limited to monitoring roles. Additionally, the authority to stop or release consignments has been withdrawn from Customs Intelligence officers.

Under this plan, Customs Intelligence will no longer have the power to conduct raids or sting operations.

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All powers of the Customs Intelligence department have been transferred to the Director General Enforcement, according to the notification. Furthermore, the department’s warehouses and staff will also be handed over to the DG Enforcement.

The notification directs that all cases and records should be immediately transferred to the DG Enforcement, with a deadline set for November 12 for the completion of these transfers.

Customs Intelligence offices in Rawalpindi, Multan, Hyderabad, and Gwadar have already been shut down, and the remaining offices across the country will be closed within 10 to 15 days.