Gadani: In a high-stakes interception, the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Gadani seized a massive consignment of smuggled foreign-origin betel nuts and a passenger bus valued at over PKR 69 million in Khurkhera. The operation, led by a team of vigilant customs officers, unfolded after a tip-off from Collector Azhar Hussain Merchant, exposing a daring attempt to transport contraband through a passenger vehicle.
Acting on credible intelligence that betel nuts would be smuggled from Quetta to Karachi via a passenger bus (Registration No. BSB-888, Balochistan), Additional Collector Najeeb Arjumand mobilized the Field Enforcement Unit (FEU) Khurkhera. Deputy Collector Adarsh Jahanvery alerted Incharge Tauseef Ahmad, who deployed staff at the customs check post for surveillance.
At 6:00 AM on April 24, the suspect bus approached the check post but refused to stop when signaled. The driver reversed abruptly and sped toward Othal City, prompting a chase by customs officials. Despite the driver’s escape amid passenger chaos and traffic, the team successfully intercepted the vehicle. A preliminary search revealed 6,820 kg of crushed betel nuts ingeniously concealed in secret compartments—under the floor, roof, and rear of the bus.
The seized goods included:
– Foreign-origin betel nuts: 620 polypropylene bags (6,820 kg), with a provisional CIF value of PKR 6.1 million and a market value of PKR 34.1 million.
– Passenger bus (Sadabahar): Valued at PKR 35 million, exclusively used for smuggling.
The total duty and taxes evaded amounted to PKR 27.9 million. The seizure was made under Sections 2(s), 16, and 168 of the Customs Act, 1969, alongside violations of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950.
Officials highlighted the difficulty of intercepting buses at Khurkhera due to the absence of physical barriers. “Buses often exploit this loophole, but our team’s persistence paid off,” said Superintendent Abdul Rauf Bhutto. Witnesses Muhammad Kamran and Fahad Ali confirmed the thorough examination, which left no doubt about the smuggling attempt.
With no claimants coming forward, the goods and vehicle were formally seized, and a notice under Section 171 was displayed at FEU Khurkhera and Custom House Gadani. The case has been forwarded for adjudication, with potential penalties under Clauses 8 & 89 of Section 156(1).
Collector Azhar Hussain Merchant praised the team’s coordination, emphasizing Gadani’s commitment to curbing smuggling. “This seizure underscores our zero-tolerance policy,” he stated.