QUETTA: Customs Quetta has seized large quantity of smuggled goods worth Rs16.4 million and transporting vehicles worth Rs67.4 million.
Information was passed through Member Customs Tariq Huda and Chief Collector Enforcement South Abdul Qadir Memon to Collector Quetta Enforcement Dr. Fareed regarding movement of smuggled goods. Subsequently, Additional Collector Moen Afzal formed a team under the supervision of Assistant Collector to thwart the attempts of transporting smuggled goods.
With untiring efforts, Customs team led by Assistant Collector Shafiullah made several seizures.
14.3 tons of polyester textured yarn in 650 cartons valuing Rs3.0 million along with transporting vehicle worth Rs12 million were seized.
Ceramic glazed tiles of Iran origin valuing Rs1.8 million and transporting vehicle worth Rs10 million was also seized. Moreover, 16.12 tons of PP bags of Iran origin having total value of Rs5.85 million and vehicle worth Rs10 million were seized. 12.45 tons of PP Bags of Iran origin worth Rs4.5 million along with transporting vehicle Rs10 million were seized. Further, 10,000 liters of diesel having value of Rs1.3 million along with tanker worth Rs9.0 million were seized.
An official said Customs Quetta was working beyond its mandate in the worst of conditions and severe shortage of resources. Customs staff is not only fighting smuggling but they also have to fight for their lives as well. Ansti-Smuggling staff often face armed resistance from the smugglers.
There are 12 check posts in Baluchistan covering routes leading to Iran and Afghanistan borders. Each check posts is at a distance of around 300km from the other and each check post is manned by an average of 5-6 personnel, which makes it extremely difficult for the Customs to eliminate all smuggling.
Mashkhel post in Washuk district covers entry and exit routes through Iran borders. Nokkundhi post in Chaghi covers entry and exit routes through Iran border in Chaghi. Dalbandin post in Chaghi district covers entry and exit routes through Iran and Afghanistan borders. Similarly Nushki, Lakpas, Darkhshan, Kolpur, Nuttal, Surab, Yaroo, Manikhawa and Rajhni posts in different districts of Baluchistan cover entry routes from Iran and Afghanistan borders as well as routes leading to Sindh and Punjab as well as highways.