MULTAN: In a significant and successful operation, the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) Multan, led by Collector Sumair Tarar, has recovered a substantial quantity of smuggled goods valued at approximately Rs. 142 million. The raid, conducted in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, targeted a warehouse in Galla Mandi, Multan.
The operation, spearheaded by Additional Collector Syed Itrat and Deputy Collector Jawad ul Hassan, resulted in the seizure of a wide range of illicit items, including foreign-origin cigarettes, betel nut, and a variety of food products. The confiscated items and their estimated values are as follows:
Foreign-Origin Cigarettes: A total of 298 cartons were recovered, featuring brands such as Royal Business, Platinum, Manchester, and Asia King. The tentative value of the seized cigarettes is estimated at Rs. 23.84 million.
Foreign-Origin Betel Nut: The largest single seizure was 43 tons of betel nut in various forms (half-cut, crushed, and powder), with an estimated value of Rs. 86 million.
Foreign-Origin Food Products: Monosodium Glutamate (China Salt): 57 bags of this Chinese-origin product were confiscated, valued at approximately Rs. 1.14 million.
Permeat Powder: 1,490 bags of the Iranian brands Varash and Ramak were seized. The goods, which have an expiry date of April and June 2027, are valued at an estimated Rs. 22.35 million.
Skimmed Milk: 331 bags of Iranian-origin skimmed milk, under the brands Chalta and Khizra, were recovered. The bags did not have an expiry date mentioned and are valued at around Rs. 8.27 million.
Local Manufactured Sweet Supari: The team also recovered 75,000 sachets of “Rajpoot” brand sweet supari, with an approximate value of Rs. 0.37 million.
The total tentative value of all seized goods is approximately Rs. 142 million. The successful raid is a testament to the ASO Multan’s commitment to curbing smuggling and protecting the local economy from illicit trade. Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the smuggled goods and the individuals involved in the operation.