PESHAWAR: Customs Peshawar has seized large quantity of narcotics, which were being smuggled into Pakistan
An empty vehicle entered from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Upon suspicion at zero line, the vehicle was taken to import yard for scanning. The scanning revealed heavy concealment in floor of the vehicle.
In order to carry out extensive examination of vehicle, the vehicle was further taken to Customs House Peshawar. Resultantly, huge cache of narcotics were recovered from specially designed body for concealment including 410 kg Charas and 205 kg opium.
In another operation, narcotics containing heroine powder and crystal ice (meth) concealed in diesel tank of an empty vehicle returning from Afghanistan were recovered. Additional Collector personally supervised the operation with frequent communication with the Collector.
The driver of the vehicle, Shah Faisal has been arrested for further legal proceedings.
Collector Peshawar Appraisment Amjad ur Rehman and Additional Collector Muhammad Tayyab appreciated the work of the Customs staff.
Pakistan has always pursued a zero tolerance policy for of all types and forms of drugs. That approach has significantly contributed in a visible reduction in drug production in the country over the past several years.
Geographically, Pakistan is a linear country with a richness of diverse and striking landscapes. It borders on four countries: China to the northeast; Afghanistan to the west and northwest; Iran to the west; and India to the east.
This geographical juncture makes Pakistan a natural transit country and a staging post for global trade. This is what also makes the country a key leg of China’s larger Belt and Road Initiative, including through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and other potential projects of regional connectivity.
Those engaged in cross-border drug trafficking also exploit this geographical significance of Pakistan. The country’s long western borders with Afghanistan and Iran are largely porous. These are being fenced but still many of their parts are remote and un-guarded and have difficult terrains. Similarly, Pakistan’s coastline is 990 km long and stretches from India to the Middle East and Iran. Despite regular patrolling, most of it remains unprotected. The international drug cartels exploit this situation and misuse Pakistani territory as transit route for international drug trafficking.