ISLAMABAD: An attempt to smuggle gold worth Rs 3.2 million was foiled by the customs staff at Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Wednesday.
Collector Dr Arslan Subactageen told Customs Today that the airport staff recovered 727 grams gold worth Rs 3.2 million from one of the passengers, Liaquat Ali, who had arrived from Mascat via PIA Flight No PK-292.
Dr Arslan said that a major crackdown has been started against gold smugglers at Islamabad airport in recent days. He said that the department has taken various measures to thwart gold smuggling attempts. He said that vigilant staff has been doubled (nine inspectors and two deputy superintendents) for rummaging of aircrafts destined for Mascat and Dubai. The collector added that random inspection of engineering and catering vehicles has been ordered to curb the chances of gold smuggling and the Customs Collectorate has ensured the presence of Customs staff at the final scanners on the exit points.
Collector Arslan said that the department has ordered the presence of custom staff at Rawal lounge, continuous display and announcement of prevalent rules relating to currency taking in /out of country and getting gold into the country.
He said that the department has ordered the airport staff for body search of all law enforcement agencies working within the airport.
