KARACHI: Customs Intelligence and Investigation Karachi has seized 19.02 tons of smuggled betel nut (areca) worth Rs47.5 million and lodged an FIR against unidentified culprits.
Information was passed though Director Khalil Yousafani to Additional Director Rana Tasleem and Deputy Director Amjad Rajpar that huge quantity of smuggled betel nut in trucks, were parked near Sohrab Goth, Super Highway for its further disposal in the open market.
A team of ASO under the supervision of Deputy Director Amjad Rajpar and Senior Intelligence Officer Sadiq mounted surveillance and intercepted a three-walled trucks. As soon as the trucks were intercepted, a number of unidentified persons gathered at the scene of incidence and ASO team encountered stern resistance from them who attempted to assault the ASO team.
The disturbed law and order situation was however overcome by the ASO team and three trucks were taken into custody.
The trucks were carefully examined, which led to recovery of large quantity of betel nut concealed in the secret compartments of the trucks. The secret cavities had been very artistically designed and it was quite impossible to recover the smuggled goods. However, I&I Karachi has strengthened its intelligence network and the ASO team had specific information, which resulted in the recovery of smuggled goods.