Peshawar: In a major crackdown on smuggling, the Customs Appraisement staff at Import Terminal, Torkham seized a large quantity of contraband items, including narcotics, ammunition, and instant yeast, from a Mercedez trailer coming from Afghanistan on Thursday night.
According to Mr. Amjad-ur-Rehman, Collector Customs (Appraisement), Peshawar, the operation was carried out based on credible information received by his office. The staff of Customs Appraisement, led by Deputy Collector, Hammad Ahmed, intercepted the trailer, bearing registration number KBL-34472, at around 10:30 pm.
The trailer was loaded with soap stone, which is a common item of import from Afghanistan. However, upon further inspection, the customs officials discovered that the trailer was also carrying illegal and prohibited goods, which were cleverly concealed in various parts of the vehicle.
The customs officials recovered 1500 grams of Ice (Crystal Methamphetamine), a highly addictive and dangerous drug, which was hidden in a plastic box of 250 grams. They also found 230 cartridges and eight magazines for Kalashnikov rifles, which were stashed in the battery tool box of the trailer. Additionally, they seized 20 packets of instant yeast, each weighing 500 grams, which is a controlled item under the Import Policy Order 2023.
The approximate value of the seized contraband items is as follows:
- Narcotics i.c Ice (Crystal Methamphetamine): Rs.2,250,000
- Magazines: Rs.40,000
- Cartridges: Rs.57,500
- Instant yeast: Rs.4,000
- Seized vehicle: Rs.5,000,000
- Soap stone: Rs.1,135,000
The total value of the seized goods and vehicle is Rs. 8,486,500.
The driver of the trailer, identified as Jalal Khan Mohmand, son of Mehboob, a resident of Afghanistan, was arrested on the spot and taken into custody. A First Information Report (FIR) No.29/2023 dated 22.12.2023 has been lodged against him under the relevant laws. Further investigations are underway to trace the source and destination of the contraband items and to nab the other culprits involved in the smuggling racket.
Chief Collector Saeed Akram praised the performance of the Customs Appraisement staff at Torkham and appreciated their vigilance and professionalism. He said that the Customs Department is committed to curb the menace of smuggling and to protect the national economy and security. He also urged the public to cooperate with the customs authorities and to report any suspicious activity or information related to smuggling.