QUETTA: In line with the vision of the Prime Minister Imran Khan to curb the menace of smuggling and recent directions of Member Customs Tariq Huda to strictly monitor the smuggling of fertilizer from the country, MCC Appraisement Quetta enhanced vigilance on all export consignments.
Information was passed through Collector Quetta Appraisement Rashid Habib to Additional Collector Khayal Muhammad to the effect that a huge quantity of urea fertilizers would be smuggled to Afghanistan from Customs Station Chaman in the garb of fresh vegetables.
Assistant Collector Custom House Chaman formed a team to ensure an effective execution of the operation.
Eventually, a 10-wheelers Hino truck was intercepted and its thorough examination led to the recovery of urea fertilizers tactfully concealed under the cover load of fresh vegetables (potatoes).
A total of 480 bags of fertilizer urea, each weighing 50 kg were concealed under the cover load of 80 gunny bags of potatoes. The total value of the seized goods was Rs7.2 million.
It may be mentioned here that terrorist attacks from rogue elements in Afghanistan have increased in Pakistan and this urea could also be used for making of IEDs.
FIR against the exporters and clearing agent has been lodged and one person has been arrested. Further investigation has been launched to unearth all involved in the case.
All the export consignment are being monitored closely at the operational border Customs Stations with Afghanistan. Strict action will be taken against the fertilizer smugglers according to the law if found involved.
Chief Collector Balochistan Muhammad Sadiq and Collector Rashid Habib khan appreciated the efforts of the team comprising of Additional Collector Khayal Muhammad, Assistant Collector Usman Aziz, Superintendent Chudhry Shafiq, Inspector Zubair Awan, seizing officer Adnan Khan and other staff.