LAHORE: Collectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO), in pursuance of information, seized 625 mobile phones of Samsung and Rivo brands and accessories along with the vehicle carrying the contraband goods. The market value of the seized items is approximately Rs 10.5 million.
Sources told Customs Today that Collector Customs Preventive Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhary received information about some smuggling attempts. He immediately constituted an anti-smuggling squad comprising Superintendent Nasir Minhas, Deputy Superintendent Gulzar Bhatti, Inspector Agha Qadeer, Inspector Mazhar Butter, Inspector Tariq Baig, Inspector Mansoor Elahi and Inspector Asif Nawaz.
The ASO team intercepted an auto rickshaw near Shera Kot and asked the driver, identified as Noor Khan, to produce legal documents regarding possession and transportation of the goods but he failed to show any relevant documents.
During initial investigation, it was also revealed that Khan was driving lisence. The ASO team seized the goods and vehicle vide Customs Act, 1969. Sources said that the team has started investigations after after registering a case of smuggling against the suspect.
It is necessary to mention here that Collector Customs Preventive Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhary has already directed all anti smuggling squads to adopt zero tolerance policy towards smuggling. He directed that anyone who found involved in smuggling and operating non duty paid vehicle will be dealt with iron hands. Customs Preventive anti smuggling squads already enhanced their checking on roads.
