QUETTA: Customs Quetta has foiled attempts to smuggle urea fertilizer abroad and recovered huge quantity of the commodity worth millions of rupees.
On the directives of Chief Collector Baluchistan Muhammad Sadiq, Collector Quetta Dr. Fareed is pursuing the anti-smuggling campaign rigorously.
Additional Collector Moin Afzal, Assistant Collector Shafiullah and Assistant Collector Baz Gul, Inspector Jamil kakar are keeping strict vigilance to thwart any smuggling attempt.
In pursuance of the directions of Ministry of Interior Islamabad, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Collectorate has launched an aggressive campaign to thwart any attempt of smuggling/illegal transportation of Urea /Fertilizer.
As a result of enhanced efforts of the field formations, sizeable quantity of Urea/Fertilizer (1,007 tons) has so far been seized.
Accordingly, as per devised SOP, the seized/detained fertilizer along with transportation vehicles were handed over to the District administration for further course of action as per the directives of Ministry of Industries, Islamabad.
Member Customs Tariq Huda is taking personal interest in the crackdown against urea smuggling abroad, which has caused shortage and price hike of urea in the local market.
An official said Afghan nationals were involved in this smuggling and added it would be appropriate if Govt. of Balochistan nominates a focal person alongwith his Cell No. to ensure effective coordination with Customs filed formations for eradicating the menace of smuggling/illegal transportation of Urea/Fertilizer.
In order to ensure transparent disposal of detained Urea/Fertilizer, MCC Quetta has also requested Chief Secretary Baluchistan that MCC Quetta may be abreast about the final fate of said Urea/Fertilizer alongwith vehicles which were handed over by the staff of Customs to the various District administrations.