KARACHI: Customs Intelligence and Investigation Karachi has seized large quantity of 20,000 bottles of liquor worth Rs216 million.
Information was passed through Director Saquif Saeed to Additional Director Umer Shafique regarding smuggling of liquor as Christmas and New Year are fast approaching.
Accordingly, Deputy Director Amjad Rajpar formed a team to conduct counter smuggling operation in coordination with Maritime Security Agency.
Huge quantity of high brand liquor in sea was being transported in boat, which was seized. Thorough search of boat resulted in recovery of around 20,000 bottles of liquor valuing approximately Rs.216 million. Five persons have been arrested and FIR has been lodged.
Alcohol is largely prohibited in Pakistan, but this doesn’t stop a black market from ensuring a supply of illicit liquor. As in many countries around the world, there has been an overall increase in alcohol consumption in Pakistan at the year end.
Due to this increased demand, smuggling of liquor through sea, through misuse of EPZ facility and misuse of diplomatic cargoes.
An official said the performance of ASO and I&I Karachi has improved significantly after Saquif Saeed, Umer Shafique and Amjad Rajper were appointed in the directorate.