Jacobabad: In a determined effort to thwart smuggling operations, customs officials intercepted a Hino truck loaded with foreign goods disguised as iron scrap at the Shaheed Abdul Ghaffar Customs Check Post in Jacobabad.
Upon receiving credible intelligence, Mona Mehfooz, the Collector of Customs in Hyderabad, instructed Additional Collector Shah Faisal Saho to enhance surveillance on the Quetta-Jacobabad road. Acting on this directive, Assistant Collector Enforcement in Sukkur formed a specialized team led by the Incharge of the Customs Check Post in Jacobabad.
At approximately 4:00 AM, the team observed a suspicious Hino truck, bearing registration number 1KY-876, approaching from the Balochistan Quetta side. When signaled to stop, the driver attempted to flee, prompting a high-speed chase involving a government vehicle with registration number GPA-369. The chase concluded near Mehar Shah Graveyard, where the driver abandoned the truck and escaped.
Subsequent examination of the truck at the customs check post revealed a significant quantity of foreign-origin goods hidden under the guise of iron scrap. After completing the necessary legal formalities, the contraband, along with the vehicle, was transported to the Customs Office in Sukkur. An FIR was promptly lodged under Section 168 of the Customs Act of 1969.
Notices were also served to the owner of the transport company as per Section 215(b) of the Customs Act, 1969, and SRO 1619(1)/2024. The seized goods and the truck are now secured in the State Warehouse in Saddar, under Lot No. 215/2024.
Further investigations are being conducted under the supervision of the Court of Special Judge (Customs and Taxation) in Karachi to identify and prosecute those involved in the smuggling attempt.