KARACHI: Customs Intelligence and Investigation Karachi has seized 960 Kgs of smuggled betel nut and non-duty-paid Toyota Surf vehicle cumulatively worth Rs4.6 million. [the_ad id=”31605″]According to details of the case, Surjani Town Police intercepted a suspected Toyota Surf vehicle at Northern Bypass, which was loaded with 32 bags of betel nut (Areca). Since no documents pertaining to the goods loaded thereon was produced on the spot, the vehicle, betel but and the driver of the vehicle were detained by the police and handed over to Customs Intelligence and Investigation Karachi.
On the directives of Director IRfan Jawaid, Additional Director Ali Zaman Gardezi formed a team headed by Principal Appraiser Syed Irshad Shah to investigate the case.
The investigations found that in addition to betel nut, the Toyota Surf vehicle was also smuggled (non duty paid). Moreover, the chassis numbers of the vehicles were also found to be tempered. The vehicle along with goods have been seized and investigations are underway.
An official said betel nut, vehicles and many other things were being smuggled into the country from Afghanistan and these goods particularly vehicles were imported in Iran, moved to Afghanistan and then smuggled to Pakistan.
The official said Iran and Afghanistan drove left-hand drive vehicles and the right-hand drive vehicles imported in Iran and Afghanistan were aimed to be smuggled into Pakistan. The official said government should coordinate with the authorities of Iran and Afghanistan to control this illegitimate trade.
It may be mentioned here that smuggling of a large range of goods including vehicles is on the rise after government imposed additional duties and other restrictions on the import of various goods. Betel nut, toys, auto parts, electronic items and vehicles are largely being smuggled into the country and delivered to the buyers on ‘done’ basis.