KARACHI: The Customs Collectorate Preventive has conducted a unique operation at Jinnah International Airport-Pakistan (JIAP) here.
According to details, the Customs authorities intercepted two passengers on the basis of secret information at “satellite area” (an area where the passenger is going to on board on the aircraft after boarding) and took them away for investigation.
Deputy Collector (Arrival) Ali Turrabi Sipra, while talking to Customs Today, said that the Customs authorities received secret information that an attempt was being made to smuggle foreign mobile phones in a unique way.
“Reacting upon the information, the authorities asked the R&A department to be vigilant at arrival as well as departure lodges,” deputy collector added.
Deputy Collector Ali Turrabi further said that the Customs authorities through their strict vigilance and surveillance intercepted two passengers at “satellite-area”. Out of them, one was arriving from Dubai and another one was going to somewhere else.
“Both the passengers had identical bags and they were attempted to smuggling foreign mobile phones by exchanging their bags with each other,” he added.
Responding to a query, the Deputy Collector-MCC Preventive Ali Turrabi informed that around 100 foreign-origin mobile phones worth millions of rupees have been recovered from the bag during checking.
The Deputy Collector further said that the investigation is being continued with both of the arrested accused and a case of smuggling under Section 32(A) of the Customs Act, 1969 would be registered against them.
It is pertinent to mention here that it was third attempt of smuggling foreign mobile phones in a month or so which was foiled by the Customs authorities.
The Chief Collector-Enforcement Zahid Khokhar and Collector MCC-Preventive Syed Muhammad Tariq Huda were lauded the efforts of the Customs staff at airport.
The sources informed that the Customs authorities may call upon a press conference in this regard in order to disclose the details of that unique case before media.
