ISLAMABAD: On the evening of January 7, 2025, a crucial tip was received by Chief Collector (Enforcement) Islamabad, Basit Maqsood Abbasi. Acting promptly on this information, Abbasi coordinated with Collector, Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Sargodha, Farrukh Sharif, who instructed Additional Collector COCE Sargodha, Falik Shair, to assemble a team to thwart a smuggling attempt via Motorway M-14 during the early hours of the night.
Under the guidance of Deputy Collector Akmal Shehzad, an Anti-Smuggling Operations (ASO) team was formed, consisting of Inspector Dawood Gahi, Fahad Virak, and their colleagues. In a decisive move at around 2:00 AM on January 8, 2025, Deputy Collector Akmal Shehzad personally led the team and intercepted a 10-wheeler truck. Later, at approximately 4:00 AM, they also intercepted a passenger bus at the Kot Bailian interchange near Mianwali. Both vehicles were found loaded with foreign-origin smuggled goods, including cigarettes, fabrics, tyres, and other miscellaneous items, with a total seizure value estimated at around Rs. 95 million.
An FIR has been registered against the smugglers, and the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Sargodha has affirmed its commitment to continue curbing smuggling routes within its jurisdiction with full force and determination.