Quetta: In a dramatic turn of events, Customs staff in Quetta took action against a suspected smuggling operation that led to a high-speed chase and gunfire exchange, leaving one smuggler dead and the notorious smuggler Sher Ali’s truck seized. The incident unfolded at Almo Chowk, and the confrontation highlights the urgent need for a rapid response force to combat rampant smuggling in the Baluchistan region.
Acting on intelligence that smuggled goods were en route to Quetta via a truck, Customs staff set up a checkpoint at Almo Chowk. Upon signaling the truck to halt, the driver chose to evade capture, accelerating dangerously. The truck was flanked by pilot cars, and the situation escalated as smugglers onboard the truck opened fire on Customs staff.
The ensuing exchange of gunfire resulted in damage to a Customs mobile squad vehicle. In a bid to immobilize the fleeing truck and secure the smuggled goods, Customs personnel pursued and targeted the truck’s tires, ultimately bringing it to a halt.
However, the driver and smugglers managed to escape on foot, leaving behind their truck, laden with illicit goods, at Imdad Chowk. Customs authorities promptly reached the scene, and the detained smugglers are now in police custody at the Civil Line Police Station.
The seized truck is reported to belong to the infamous smuggler Sher Ali. Sher Ali’s involvement in previous incidents, including firing at Customs Intelligence in May of last year, underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating organized smuggling operations in the region.
Tragically, one smuggler lost his life during the operation. Sources suggest a grim possibility – that the smugglers may have intentionally eliminated their comrade to divert attention or create a crisis.
This incident has reignited calls for the establishment of a rapid response force in Baluchistan to effectively tackle the escalating issue of smuggling in the region. The increasing audacity and firepower displayed by smugglers necessitate a more coordinated and robust law enforcement response.
In the aftermath of the operation, team members of the Customs mobile squad have been taken into custody for interrogation, as authorities seek to unravel the full extent of the smuggling network’s operations.
A Customs official expressed concerns about the treatment of law enforcement agencies during such operations, emphasizing that these incidents can severely impact the morale of personnel working diligently to curb smuggling activities.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies as they confront the pervasive issue of smuggling in Quetta and the urgent need for a comprehensive response to tackle this menace.