KARACHI: Under the supervision of Collector Syed Fawad Ali Shah, Collectorate of Customs Exports Port Mohammad Bin Qasim (PMBQ) foiled an attempt to smuggle 52.6kgs of psychotropic drug Ketamine concealed in an export consignment of LED bulbs destined for Brooklyn, New York, USA. The approximate value of seized Ketamine is Rs 80 million in international market.
Chief Collector Enforcement and Compliance Dr Saif-ud-din Junejo appreciated the efforts Customs Exports.
Collector Syed Fawad Ali Shah told media that credible information was received that huge quantity of Ketamine may be attempted to be smuggled out of Pakistan. In follow up, the consignment of M/s Omtic International, Village Bharthan Wala, Post Office Khas Daska, Sialkot (NTN#5247010) filed through GD bearing No KPPI-SB-216891 dated 29.03.2021 declaring to contain LED bulbs having quantity 30,000 destined for Brooklyn, NY, USA was selected for detailed scrutiny at Qasim Freight Station, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Karachi.
The goods were thoroughly examined and 52.6Kgs of white coloured powder was detected concealed in the base of LED Bulbs. This powder was put to test and the testing kits confirmed that the said substance is “Ketamine”.
PMBQ, Karachi. One of the prime accused have been arrested whereas a team has been constituted under Moeen Afzal, Additional Collector Customs Exports PMBQ, Karachi to arrest the main accused and other co-accused. Further investigations are underway to arrest the mastermind and his associates.
FIR No.2/2021 dated 08.04.2021 has been lodged before the Special Court Customs & Taxation Karachi.