KARACHI: Directorate of Customs Intelligence & Investigation Quetta has detained 950 smuggled mobile phones valuing Rs20.9 million involving duty and taxes of Rs10.45 million.
According to details, information was received that huge quantity of foreign origin smuggled mobile phones would be transported to down country.
Director Quetta Irfan Javed promptly reacted to the information and put a team comprising Intelligence Officer Shabbir Ahmed and sepoy Baz Mohammad on Quetta-Chaman road. Deputy Director Abdul Mueed, Superintendent Farid-ur-Din extended all support.
The staff of Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation Quetta intercepted a Toyota Hi-Ace van near Airport Chowk, Quetta-Chaman Road. The man on the steering seat introduced himself as Ameer Muhammad S/o Ali Muhammad. Cursory checking of the Toyota Hiace Van revealed the presence of smuggled mobile phones concealed beneath the rear seats of the vehicle.
Since through search of the vehicle was not possible on the spot, the same was detained and brought to the office of the Directorate of Intelligence & Investigation – FBR with the assistance of FC.
A thorough search was conducted in the presence of independent witnesses, which led to the recovery of 950 Mobile Phones.
Keeping in view the above mentioned facts, there are sufficient grounds to believe that the recovered foreign origin Mobile Phones are smuggled ones and have been brought into the country through illegal and un-authorized routes. Thus the foreign origin Mobile Phones along with Toyota Hiace Van have been seized after completing all legal formalities.
The seized mobile phones include Samsung S7 Edge, Samsung J5 (Prime/Pro), Samsung J7 (Pro/Prime/Max), Samsung C7, C9 Pro, Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Galaxy Grand prime, Samsung Galaxy S5, Olae XI and Motorolla.
The value of the seized mobile phones comes to Rs20.9 million while the value of vehicle is Rs1.0 million. the amount of duty and taxes involved is calculated to be Rs10.45 million.
Sources said Chaman border was closed but Noshki border was open and there was no Customs Intelligence Check Post at Noshki. The smugglers have switched the route from Chaman to Noshki and therefore Director Irfan Javed is keeping strict vigilance on the said route.