ISLAMABAD: The customs staff of the Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA) Islamabad impounded 120 kilogram of contraband betel nuts being smuggled into the country via Accompanied Baggage Section by a notorious smuggler coming from Sharjah.
Nisar Ahmad Phulrwal, Additional Collector, Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA), told Customs Today that, on a tip-off shared by Collector Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Islamabad BBIA, the customs staff intercepted smuggler named Asam Chuie coming from Sharjah by Shaheen Airline. Accused Chuie was checked at the Arrival Lounge and 120kg of betel nut was recovered.
The sample of the confiscated betel nut has been sent for laboratory examination. If it was proved that the seized item is harmful for human health then an FIR will be lodged against the smuggler.
Due to long checking and vigilance of betel nut at the ship-berth, the notorious elements start using the air path to bring the harmful item into the country. After strict actions against the smuggling of betel nuts, the price of said item has risen from Rs3000 to Rs5000 per kilogram.
