QUETTA: Collectorate of Customs Enforcement and FC Baluchistan officials has seized 22 trucks and buses carrying smuggled goods worth millions of rupees during a patrolling operation in the Katcha area of Quetta. The smuggled goods included solar panels, betel nut, cigarettes and other items.
Addressing a press conference Assistant Collector Haseeb Hassan who was accompanied by Superintendent Operation Ahad Durrani, Superintendent Appraisement and PRO Ata Muhammad said that on going anti-smuggling drive will continue as per the directives of Chief Collector Abdul Qadir Khn and Collector Mohammad Ismail in the region.
It is pertinent to mention here that the seizure sparked protests from some of the smugglers, who pelted stones at the official vehicles and tried to block the roads. Assistant Collector Quetta Haseeb Hasan warned that legal action will be taken against the protesters, as no one is above the law. He also said that anyone who has the documentary evidence of legal import and possession of these goods can approach the Customs staff for the release of their goods.
He revealed that the seized vehicles were specially modified for smuggling purposes, as they had removed the seats to create more space for the smuggled goods. He said that the smugglers had resorted to using the katcha area routes to avoid the check posts of Customs and FC, but the Customs officials were vigilant and coordinated with the law enforcement and security agencies to curb the movement of smuggled goods.
He said that despite the shortage of resources, Quetta Customs was making progress in its drive against smuggling, which is harmful for the national economy and the local industry. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the Customs authorities and report any suspicious activity related to smuggling.
