HYDERABAD: ASO of Customs Hyderabad has seized 120 KG of high grade opium, as the authorities are pursuing a rigorous anti-smuggling drive.

Value of the seized high grade opium is around RS110 million.

On specific information received by Collector Hyderabad Dr. Sadiqullah Khan that an attempt to smuggle narcotics would be made on Quetta – Nawab Shah – Tando Adam route, the concerned units were directed to stay on high alert and keep surveillance of the said route.

Acting accordingly, a team headed by Additional Collector Asim Rehman with Assistant Collector Mano Mal and Inspector Hashim and staff was constituted.

The ASO team Hyderabad carried out a successful operation at Shahdadpur-Tando Adam road near Sabzi Mandi where a BedFord Truck (06 wheeler) loaded with vegetables was found coming from Shahdadpur side which was signaled to stop but the driver instead of stopping tried to run away.

The truck was chased and spotted parked on road side while driver fled away in Sabzi Mandi taking advantage of darkness.

Customs team took possession of vehicle and brought it to Custom House Hyderabad After thorough search recovered huge quantity of high grade Opium (narcotics) weighing 120 kg (Gross), in concealments.

The recovered narcotics were concealed in wooden crates loaded underneath the rotten Tomatoes, Apples and Onion bags and was being transported from Quetta towards Tando Adam. An FIR is lodged and further investigations are underway.

Moreover, on the directives of Collector Hyderabad Sadiqullah Khan, Additional Collector Asim Rehman has increased number of check posts on routes connecting southern parts to the up country to avoid transportation and distribution of smuggled goods.