By Mashhud
KARACHI: Anti-smuggling organization (ASO) of MCC Preventive Karachi has seized 17.5 tons of smuggled betel nut at Super Highway coming from Lahore to Karachi and arrested three persons.
Information was received from Deputy Collector ASO Muhammad Faisal that attempt would be made to transport smuggled betel nut through Super Highway. Subsequently, ASO Preventive stopped a container CBHU-9816039 loaded on Trailer bearing registration no TLG-369 and recovered 175 gunny bags of betel nuts (17,500 kgs) worth Rs. 4.812 million, while the value of trailer and container is to the tune of Rs 5.5 million.
The trailer and container is owned by transporter Shahid, and the apprehended vehicle is also being used for replacing containers going to and coming from Export Promotion Zone (EPZ).
MCC Appraisement East had earlier arrested one Muhammad Akif s/o Muhammad Arif while he was trying to escape to Dubai. Akif is involved in misusing facilities at Export processing Zone (EPZ) to import contraband and clandestinely removing the goods to the local market, thus causing huge loss to the national exchequer.
Deputy Collector Customs Prevented Muhammad Faisal detected this case. Accused Muhammad Akif of M/s G.B Global and M/s Pioneer, while he was escaping from the country. Other accused including Fahad Mulla of M/s Laiba Industries, Khalid of M/s Sun Gravure, Mirza Muhtasim of M/s Vision Hub, Clearing agents Shahrukh and Tariq of M/s Yousuf & Co,.
Chief Collector Enforcement Manzoor Memon extended all support the Customs Preventive despite pressure.
Goods that are being exported to Dubai are looked after by M/s Yousuf & Co. They are replacing the export containers. This cartel owns three containers and trailers. Transporter Shahid owns these vehicles, which are known as Titanic in EPZ .
This cartel is involved in cargo replacing and smuggling of various goods including cigarettes, favorite tobacco, betel nut and many other things.