SARGODHA: The Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) seized a truck loaded with Indian zeera, dry garlic and vehicle worth Rs 7 million involving duty and taxes to the tune of Rs 3.1 million on Thursday.
Assistant Collector Shah Samad Hamadani told Customs Today that he received information that some smugglers would try to smuggle huge quantity of Indian origin species.
The assistant collector said that the ASO formed a squad led by Superintendent Choudhary Sardar Muhammad. The ASO team intercepted a Mazda truck bearing registration no LES-09-4662 and asked the driver to provide the documents to ascertain legal import of the goods. However, the owner of the goods namely Amer Zaman failed to provide any proof.
Shah Samad Hamadani said that after initial checking the squad seized foreign origin zeera 1500 kilograms, dry garlic 1250 kilograms and small cardamom 200 kilograms made in India from the truck. The total value of the seized goods is Rs 7 million adding that the ASO also seized the truck that facilitated the smugglers.
The assistant collector said that ASO seized the goods and truck under smuggling act and after filing case against smugglers the case has been forward to customs adjudication for further legal action.
Talking to Customs Today Superintended Sardar Muhammad said that the customs department adopted zero tolerance policy towards smugglers.
He said that the government has also directed them to foil any attempt of smuggling. Superintendent said that customs ASO is using all available resources to curb smuggling attempts in the region.
