KARACHI: The anti-smuggling team of Customs Intelligence, Karachi has seized smuggled betel nuts and other goods worth more than Rs54 million.
Information was passed through Director Saquif Saeed to Additional Director Nausheen Faisal and Deputy Director Inamullah Wazir that a group involved in organised smuggling of betel nuts would attempt to smuggle a dumper load to Karachi and then surveillance was mounted on Northern Bypass area which led to the interception of the dumper.
The smugglers mobilised their vehicles through blockage of trackers and they were escorting the dumper. The staff of anti smuggling customs Intelligence managed to seize the dumper bravely after facing resistance from smugglers.
A huge quantity of smuggled betelnuts were recovered, which was concealed under the crushed stones. Value of the seized goods and vehicle is estimated to be Rs 26 million approx. One person has been arrested and FIR has been lodged. Further investigation is underway.
Secondly, acting on intel, four non-customs-paid or tampered vehicles have been seized. Value of the seized vehicles is estimated to be Rs25 million approx.
It may be mentioned here that Director General Faiz Ahmed has instructed all I&I formations to expedite anti-smuggling activities.