KARACHI: I&I Karachi has launched a crackdown on the smuggling which is going on Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) with the connivance of Customs staff. Sources said that under the recommendations of a sensitive security agency, I&I Karachi has also initiated a detailed investigation regarding involvement of Customs officers/officials. Sources maintained the assets of certain officers/officials might also be scrutinized.
To recall, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) recently conducted a sweeping operations and a case was lodged against several Customs officers and officials of Customs Enforcement Karachi for involvement in smuggling.
Smuggling at airport with the connivance of customs staff is a serious issue that affects the security and economy of many countries.
One of the recent cases of smuggling at airport with the connivance of customs staff was reported at JIAP. Customs Intelligence Karachi seized a huge quantity of 168 iPhones from Karachi Airport valuing Rs 130 million. The iPhones were being smuggled in by passengers arriving from Sharjah via Air Arabia.
The seizures were made after credible information was received through DG Customs Intelligence Mr Faiz Chadhar to Director I&I Engineer Habib, Additional Afzal Wattoo, Deputy Directors Wasif Malik and Inamullah Wazir. On the directives of Assistant Director Saud Hasan, Superintendent Irshad Shah surveillance was mounted by Customs Intelligence, Karachi and the iPhones were recovered from passengers after they had cleared from all checks and had come out of International Arrival.
Smuggling at airport with the connivance of customs staff poses a threat to the national security and economy of the countries involved. It also undermines the credibility and integrity of the agencies responsible for maintaining law and order at airports. Therefore, it is important to take strict action against those who are involved in such illegal activities and prevent them from happening in the future.