KARACHI: Customs Enforcement Karachi has recovered large quantity of smuggled cigarettes, gutka, betel nut, Chinese salt and Cutch from a passenger bus coming from Quetta to Karachi. The value of the seized goods and bus is Rs56.16 million.
Due to restrictions on LC opening, there has been a surge in smuggling, and Member Customs Mukarram Jah Ansari has advised all formations to expedite efforts against smuggling across the country.
Information was passed through Chief Collector Yaqoob Mako to Collector Enforcement Karachi Usman Bajwa regarding movement of smuggled goods from Quetta.
Subsequently, Deputy Collector ASO Amjad Rajpar formed a team, which intercepted a bus of M/s. Baacha Khan Imran Khan near Docks Police Station, Kharadar, Karachi.
The driver later identified as Niamat Ullah S/o Abdul Raul. Search of the bus was conducted. During this exercise, specially engineered cavities were found concealed with the foreign origin goods. It is established rat the intercepted bus was purposefully manufactured with special hidden cavities to conceal and transport smuggled goods. These goods were to be delivered at Yousuf Goth terminal.
Meanwhile, some unidentified person arrived on the scene and created law and order situation by hindering the Customs team, one of the Custom Officer members namely Shahbaz Ahmed was injured.
An official said the passenger bus and smuggled goods belonged to notorious smuggler Daad Muhammad, who also owns Al Mehmood Coach bus service.
The unscrupulous elements also blocked Hub River road. Official said whenever action is taken against these smugglers, they resort to blackmailing government through road blocks and other law & order situation. These smugglers keep scores of persons for the same purpose.
An FIR is lodged and investigation is underway.