KARACHI: In a major anti-smuggling move, the Customs Enforcement Collectorate in Karachi foiled an effort to transport 14,000 donkey hides to foreign countries, according to media reports.
According to authorities, the hides were seized from a container that had been cleared through the Collectorate of Customs Export’s green channel.
The cargo was confiscated during a raid at the South Asia Pakistan Port Terminal. M/s Wow Trading declared 285 packets of leather items in the official documentation. The export collectorate had previously granted clearance to load the container on a cargo ship.
The anti-smuggling organization’s enforcement branch halted the cargo for a thorough check and collected 14,000 donkey skins.
It should be noted that the export of donkey hides is prohibited by Pakistan’s Export Policy. The confiscated package has been valued at Rs 80 million. The skins were taken into custody by customs and brought to the ASO warehouse.
A case has been filed against the exporter under the relevant sections of the Customs Act, and additional investigation is ongoing.