KARACHI: Chief Collector Enforcement South Mohammad Zahid Khokhar has advised MCC Quetta to expand the ambit of crackdown against smuggled vehicles.

Collector Quetta Saeed Jadoon, in view of reports that the smuggled vehicles have been removed from showrooms in the city to nearby villages and small towns, has planned to conduct in nearby villages to recover the smuggled vehicles. There are reports that hundreds of smuggled and non-duty paid vehicles, which were earlier houses at showrooms in Quetta have been removed to villages after Customs launched a crackdown against such vehicles.

Collector Saeed Jadoon has formed teams to conduct these raids while Police, District Administration and FC are extending all cooperation in making the campaign a success.

Deputy Collector ASO Ubaidullah will head the Customs in operations in Kuchlak, Pishin, Yaro, Loralai and Zhob. Additional Director Dr. Fareed will monitor the entire operation.

Customs has already advertised the campaign and advised the owners and possession holders of smuggled and non-duty paid vehicles to surrender the smuggled goods before the Customs. In case of recovery of such vehicles from anyone’s possession would result in legal action including and not limited to lodging of FIRs.

Collector Saeed Jadoon has posted Deputy Collector Amanullah Tareen at Customs House Chaman to check and eliminate the smuggling and mis-declaration. There are reports that due to a rigorous anti-smuggling drive pursued by FBR, tyres, spices and other high valued goods are being cleared through mis-declaration.

Deputy Director I&I Customs Inamullah is coordinating with Deputy Collector Obaidullah in this operation.

It may be mentioned here that this operation is a part of the larger drive against smuggling and terrorism. It is an established fact that money made through smuggling has been the prime source of funding terrorist groups and other anti-social elements.