Confiscated goods' auction contributes Rs 16.124 billion to national kitty

March 20, 2019: The authorities concerned have amassed Rs. 16.124 billion through auction and disposal of different confiscated/smuggled goods during last five years.

The confiscated goods are disposed of through open public auction as provided in auction/customs rules.

A variety of smuggled goods have been confiscated in the country by Pakistan Customs during the period and these included tea, auto parts, cigarettes, medicines, antiques, crockery, vehicles, cloth, tyres and tubes, diesel, electronic goods and narcotics etc.

Elaborating procedure for auction of confiscated goods, sources at Finance and Revenue Division on Wednesday said that as per auction rules, the Collector or an authorized officer shall nominate an auctioneer from amongst registered auctioneers to conduct auction of confiscated goods.

The amounts and names of the highest and second highest bidders are recorded in file by customs staff supervising the process along with copies of National Identity Card as well as NTN of successful bidder.

The auctioneer on receipt of a certificate issued by Collector or an authorized officer to the effect that whole amount of bid has been realized, issues under his seal, a delivery order.

The sources said there are certain items like arms and ammunition, liquor/narcotics and like goods which cannot be put to auction.

It is pertinent to mention that goods like confiscated narcotics and expired/banned/hazardous items/goods, not fit for human consumption, are destroyed.

However, arms and ammunition of prohibited and non-prohibited bores are disposed of by allocating the same to an agency/department having anti-smuggling powers for their official use.

(APP)