FAISALABAD: The Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) has seized illegally imported black pepper having market value of Rs 2,114,700.
Sources told Customs Today that Faisalabad Collector Tauseef Ahmed Qureshi received credible information regarding smuggling of foreign origin black pepper.
Soon after receiving the tip, a raiding party was formed, which consisted of Superintendent Zahid Bukhari, Inspector Mehmood Ahmad and sepoys Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Salam, Atta Muhammad, Hafiz Naseer and Liaqat Ali.
The customs team during a raid at SM Shafiq Sohail Good’s Transport Company, Choly Wali Puli, Jhang Road, Faisalabad seized 38 bags of black pepper, each weighing 53kg, which involved duty and taxes amounting to Rs 348,532.
The raiding team asked accused Muhammad Saleem Paracha, son of Muhammad Arif Paracha, a resident of Sitara Sapana City, to produce legal documents regarding possession of black pepper, but he failed to provide the same. Upon his failure, the customs authorities seized the black pepper and registered a case against the owner. Further investigation is underway.
