Key Points
- Customs enforcement seizes 20,000 kg of Chinese monosodium glutamate mis-declared as citric acid.
- Operation conducted at A-One Godown, Walika Chowrangi, Karachi by Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO).
- 800 bags of Chinese salt and 100 bags of genuine citric acid recovered.
- Legal proceedings initiated under the Customs Act, 1969, reflecting FBR’s commitment to curb smuggling.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle 20,000 kg of Chinese salt (monosodium glutamate) mis-declared as citric acid, seizing goods worth Rs 20.5 million during a targeted operation at A-One Godown, Walika Chowrangi, Karachi, on Friday.
Chinese salt, or monosodium glutamate, is a food additive widely used as a flavour enhancer. It is subject to customs duty and regulatory oversight in Pakistan. Mis-declaring it as citric acid allows importers to evade duties and bypass import controls, which is illegal. Authorities suspect that the storekeeper attempted to avoid paying customs duty and circumvent regulatory checks, prompting the seizure and legal action.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) conducted a raid, uncovering several bags declared as citric acid. A closer inspection revealed that most of these bags actually contained Chinese salt, identifiable by its distinctive smell and taste, while a smaller portion contained genuine citric acid.
A detailed examination confirmed the misdeclaration, leading to the recovery of 800 bags of Chinese salt (each 25 kg) and 100 bags of genuine citric acid (each 25 kg).
The seized goods have been shifted to a secure warehouse, while samples have been dispatched for laboratory analysis. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Customs Act, 1969.
Officials highlighted that the operation underscores the Federal Board of Revenue’s continued resolve to curb smuggling and protect the national economy from illicit trade.
