Karachi: Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, under the vigilant supervision of Collector Basit Abbasi and Deputy Collector Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Syed Muhammad Raza Naqvi, authorities intercepted two buses suspected of carrying illegal narcotics. The operations took place at Mochko Check Post (CP) on Hub River Road.
First Interception: Al-Habib Coach (Registration No. BTA-121)
On a tip-off from credible sources, the enforcement team halted an Al-Habib Coach with registration number BTA-121. During a thorough search of the luggage compartment, officials discovered 3.6 kilograms of marijuana (commonly known as weed). The illicit substance was concealed among passengers’ belongings. As a result of this operation, one individual has been apprehended.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs and the bus itself amounts to a staggering Rs. 31.66 million.
Second Interception: Al-Mumtaz Coach (Registration No. JG-5645)
In a separate incident that occurred on Sunday, the same enforcement team intercepted an Al-Mumtaz Coach bearing registration number JG-5645. Acting on credible intelligence, they searched the bus and found 5.4 kilograms of marijuana hidden in the luggage compartment. Similar to the first case, one person was arrested during this operation.
The total value of the confiscated drugs and the bus is approximately Rs. 35 million.
Both cases are being thoroughly investigated, and an official First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged. The Customs officials remain committed to curbing drug trafficking and maintaining law and order in the region.
It may be mentioned here Customs Enforcement Karachi has delivered exemplary performance in the last two months. In May 2024 Enforcement Krachi made 223 cases worth Rs764.8 million, which is 38% higher than cases made in May last year involving Rs554.28 million. Similarly, in June 2024 Enforcement Krachi made several cases worth Rs600.46 million, and in first half of July 2024 made 169 cases and seized goods worth Rs.201.4 million compared with 56 cases involving goods worth Rs129.35 million in the same period last year.
This performance came after the internal transfers and postings in the Collectorate effected by Basit Abbasi. He created a fresh ASO team comprising SPS Muhammad Habib Mayo, Saeed Ashraf and Preventive officer Saqlain Chadhar. Deputy Collector Raza Naqvi supervises the ASO team, while Additional Collector Dawood Pirzado monitors the entire anti-smuggling operations of the Collectorate.