Customs Union agitate over transfer of dutyconscious officers

The Customs Officers’ Trade Union is demanding an inquiry into the sending on Compulsory leave, 6 of the 9

Customs officials attached to the

Cen tra l

I nve s t i g a t i o n Directorate, who had detected a container of readymade garments imported under false declaration from India, in May.

Union officials told the Sunday

Times the importer had falsely declared only half of the actual value of the Rs 7 million- consignment, whilst officials who performed their duties according to the law, are penalised .

The Union is now in discussions to initiate trade union action over the arbitrary actions of senior Customs officials

However, they claim that no action has been taken against 23 other Customs officials who allegedly released 4 container loads of cosmetics and high value perfumes, imported from India under false declaration.

The importer had allegedly declared the consignment as pharmaceuticals, which are exempt from taxes. Union members also confirmed to the Sunday Times that a detailed report of this fraud, which caused a loss of Rs 25 million to the department, had been submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the DG Customs.

To date, no action or internal inquiry has been initiated by either the Finance Ministry or the Customs, into these allegations, they said.

Customs Director General P.M.B. Charles told the Sunday Times that the matter had not been brought to her notice to date and hence, is unable to comment.

The importer had allegedly declared the consignment as pharmaceuticals, which are exempt from taxes. Union members also confirmed to the Sunday Times that a detailed report of this fraud, which caused a loss of Rs 25 million to the department, had been submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the DG Customs.