Karachi: The Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) Karachi has seized two tankers carrying smuggled Irani diesel worth Rs21.3 million and arrested the drivers and helpers on Sunday. The tankers were also confiscated and valued at Rs24 million.
According to details, the operation was conducted after receiving credible information from Director I&I Karachi Engineer Habib to Additional Director Afzaal Watto. Deputy Director Wasif Malik formed a team led by Principal Appraiser Irshad Shah and intercepted the tankers near the city.
The first tanker was found to be carrying 29,000 liters of Irani diesel worth Rs9.3 million, while the second tanker had 21,000 liters of the same fuel worth Rs12 million. The drivers and helpers of the tankers were taken into custody and a case was registered against them.
The I&I Karachi said that the crackdown on smuggled fuel was initiated after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir took notice of the rampant fuel smuggling and directed the Customs, Rangers, and Police to eliminate the dumping places of smuggled Irani fuel. The press release claimed that the smuggling of fuel had almost stopped after the joint operation.
The Director General of I&I Faiz Ahmed appreciated the performance of the I&I Karachi team and instructed them to seize, adjudicate and auction the transporting vehicles as per the law. He also warned the smugglers to refrain from such illegal activities or face strict action.