QUETTA: Customs Quetta has released a comprehensive list of smuggled goods confiscated over the past four months. During a press conference held on Thursday, Collector Quetta Mohammad Ismail, alongside Additional Collector Umar Shafiq, Deputy Collector Abdul Moeed Kanjo, and Assistant Collectors Haseeb Ahmed and Muhammad Saleem, briefed the media on the ongoing anti-smuggling efforts.
The enforcement team in Quetta revealed that they had seized a substantial 11,573 tons of essential commodities that were being illicitly transported out of the country. These essential items included 3,314 tons of urea, 8,231 tons of sugar, and 28 tons of wheat/wheat flour.
Collector Quetta, Muhammad Ismail, expressed the intention to make these seized products available to the general public at discounted rates through Sunday Bazaars, providing much-needed relief to the local population.
The anti-smuggling campaign has been carried out in line with the directives of Member Customs Zeba Hai Azhar and Chief Collector Baluchistan Abdul Qadir Memon. Their sustained efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in smuggling activities, positively impacting various sectors:
Reduction in Iranian POL (Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants) Prices: The price of Iranian petroleum products has decreased from Rs. 250 to Rs. 170 per unit, alleviating financial burdens on consumers.
Significant Decrease in Fuel Smuggling: The crackdown on fuel smuggling has seen a remarkable reduction of approximately 90%, curbing illegal activities in this sector.
Lower Sugar Prices: The price of sugar has seen a notable decrease, dropping from Rs. 220 to Rs. 140 per unit, making this essential commodity more affordable for consumers.
Revenue Increase through Legal Imports: Due to these anti-smuggling efforts, revenue generated through legal imports has shown significant growth, surging from Rs. 10,318 million to Rs. 19,131 million, marking an 85% increase.
The anti-smuggling operations conducted by Customs Quetta have not only safeguarded the local economy but have also contributed to easing the cost of living for the general public. These measures align with broader efforts to promote fair trade and economic stability in the region.