O V E R V I E W - Anti Smuggling

Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction of Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Jodhpur (functioning from Jaipur) extends over the state of Rajasthan covering a geographical area of 3.52 Lacs Sq. Kms., which includes 1037 Kms long international border with Pakistan, extending from Hindumal Kot in Sriganganagar District to Brahamano Ki Dhani in Barmer District. Prior to 1989, there were only two Divisions (Customs-cum-Central Excise) situated at Sriganganagar and Jodhpur with 6 Preventive Posts i.e. at Anoopgarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Chohtan and Phalodi which were entrusted with the job of curbing smuggling activities on this border. Subsequently, due to the alarming rise in the incidence of smuggling and narcotics/drug trafficking, Customs formations on this border were strengthened on 30.01.89 by creating an office of the Additional Commissioner of Customs at Jodhpur and five Customs Divisions, one each at Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Sriganganagar and Barmer with 21 Customs Ranges. Thereafter, full fledged Customs Commissionerate, Jodhpur (headquarters at Jaipur) was created on 16.07.1997 vide Trade Notice No.1/97 dated 21.07.1997 issued in view of Notification No. 27/97(NT) to 31/97(NT) all dated 21.07.1997. In cadre restructuring in 2002, the Commissionerate was sanctioned regular staff. In 2007 certain additional posts were created. At present, besides the Jodhpur sub – Commissionerate, 8 ICDs , 2 Air Cargo Complex, one FPO, one International Air Port and one Land Customs Station at Munabao are functioning.

(a)International flights:-

International flights started operating from Sanganer International Airport, Jaipur w. e. f. 12.2.2002 and presently following international flights are in operation:

S.NO. Name of the Airlines Operation Between Days of Operation
1 M/s Air Arabia Jaipur- Sharjah Daily
2 M/s Oman Airways Jaipur- Muscat Six days (except Sunday)
3 M/s Air India Express Jaipur-Dubai Friday

 

(b)Land Custom:-

Land Customs Station at Munabao became operational w.e.f. 18.02.2006, consequent upon the opening of the Rail Link between India and Pakistan called Munabao-Khokrapar Rail Link. The train was temporarily discontinued due to incessant rains and floods in Barmer District of Rajasthan and Sindh Province in Pakistan during the period 20.08.06 to 16.02.07. The rail link has again started w.e.f. 17.02.2007.

(c)Details of other Agencies/Formation Guarding International Border:-

In addition to Customs formation as mentioned above, Government of India has also deployed other agency/formations i.e. Indian Army, Border Security Force, Research and Analysis Wing, Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence etc. to keep surveillance over International Border to check Anti-national activities, Infiltration, and also smuggling.