Customs probes will continue, says reinstated DG

Emerging strong and unscathed after her controversial removal and successful reinstatement, Customs Director General Sarojini Charles has reiterated that the investigations she had started into alleged frauds will be continued uninterrupted.

Stressing the need to expedite the investigation, she told the Sunday

Times, “We will continue the investigations. We have not stopped them. I will continue from where I left."

She, however, declined to name the specific investigations and those who were involved.

Ms. Charles said that although only some of the investigations were highlighted, the Customs, on a daily basis, launched about 10 to 15 probes.

The director general said that not only probes on alleged Customs frauds, but internal disciplinary inquir- ies were also proceeding, with the trade unions extending their full support.

When asked about reports of the country losing billions of rupees in revenue due to the Customs trade union action launched in protest against her transfer, Ms. Charles said there was no official estimate about the revenue losses caused by the work-to-rule campaign which lasted five days. She expressed the hope that the Customs would be able to recover the dues in three to four days.

When asked about the issue over importers being forced to pay additional demurrage charges though it was not of their making, the director general said she was hopeful of resolving the issue through discussions with the importers and officials.

Ms Charles said that they were able to achieve only 87 percent of the Rs 1,068 billion revenue target set for last year, because the political crisis and the exchange rate issue had an impact on the quantity of goods being imported.

“We will put our maximum effort to achieve the target," she said.

On combatting drugs, she said they had an assurance from the government that a special marine division would be set up.