KARACHI: Collectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-smuggling Organization (ASO) has recovered huge quantity of smuggled betel nut (areca) and rice from Metroval Banaras area.
According to sources, Collector Saquif Saeed received credible information about smuggling of betel nuts from Punjab to Sindh. He immediately constituted anti-smuggling squad to thwart any attempt of smuggling. The anti-smuggling squad enhanced patrolling in the area.
The ASO squad intercepted a suspected Hino truck which was coming from Toba Tek Singh and signaled to stop, but the driver tried to speed away. However, the vehicle was apprehended but driver escaped.
When the cover load of vehicle was removed, PP bags of betel nuts were recovered. As no claimant came forward to substantiate the lawful possession of recovered Betel Nut concealed beneath the loaded rice in the Hino truck, it is indicative of the fact and strong reasons to believe that the impounded impugned goods are smuggled. Betel nut worth Rs7.2 million, rice worth Rs2.75 million and the vehicle worth Rs5.0 million were seized.
An FIR is lodged and investigations are still underway.
