LAHORE: The Pakistan Customs and Pakistan International Airlines have no basic mechanism to check narcotics in aeroplanes so the department has decided to buy sniffer dogs.
After the repeated incidents of narcotics smuggling in PIA planes during the last few weeks, various departments claimed to have beefed up security within their jurisdictions. But a lot of basic work has yet to be done, insiders of said Customs told Customs Today.
A high official of the customs has said that the department is going to form a ‘currency detection and rummaging unit’. We have forwarded the proposals to the FBR for the purchase of new scanners and sniffer dogs to check narcotics.
On the other hand, it is a responsibility of the PIA security to seal all the meals’ trolleys before these are loaded in the catering van. Proper record must be maintained for future references. It is also a responsibility of the PIA security to escort the catering vans all the way up to aircraft till it is loaded and aircraft doors are closed.
But interestingly, there is no security personnel deputed at the catering section of the Lahore airport to meet the requirements. The PIA management has passed the clear instructions to the airline security department to strictly monitor the catering department and flight kitchens.
The PIA security will closely observe the preparation of food trolleys and ensure that no contraband item is loaded in the trolleys. Catering vans will be sniffed and sealed before departing from flight kitchens. All the catering vans will be equipped with CCTV cameras and no catering van at apron side will be left unattended. Entry and exit control in the flight kitchen will be strictly monitored. Security procedures at the cargo complexes will be properly strengthened. All the shipper representatives will be thoroughly searched before they enter the cargo facility.
The management has passed the instructions to hire sniffer dogs from private companies. Shortage of security manpower will be completed through a private security company which has the special expertise in security affairs. The spokesman for PIA, when contacted, said “In the presence of the ANF, airline’s security does not matter”.
