ISLAMABAD: Smuggling trends indicate that new and unique methods are being employed by drug traffickers which require enhanced enforcement cooperation. The customs staff deputed at Benazir Bhutto International Airport Islamabad recently aborted many attempts to smuggle contraband goods and narcotics out of the country.
These views were expressed by Deputy Collector Naghma-e-Tehniat during exclusive interview with Customs Today, she said that smugglers are using new and surprising ways to smuggle heroin. She said that on July 17 an attempt was foiled by the customs staff in which the heroin was concealed in stitched clothes. During the checking of the passengers of flight no.PK-785, a passenger was intercepted by customs team at International Departure Hall.
The passenger had already passed ASF (Airport Security Force) and ANF (Anti Narcotics Force) checking, scanning and screening counters without detection. The baggage search led to the recovery of brown heroin powder weighing 20 kilograms, which was tactfully concealed inside the embroidered suits through stitching small plastic bags between the embroidery and the clothes. The concealment was unique in nature and a criminal case was registered against the suspect.
She added that another unique seizure was made just a few days after the above described seizer, in this particular case similar technique was used for concealment i.e. by stitching clothes, although the quantity this time was much less i.e. 1.150 kilograms.
The heroin powder was concealed through stitching in the embroidered border of ladies shirt and embroidered bottom area of trouser, this trend indicates that new and unique methods are being employed by drug traffickers which require enhanced enforcement cooperation.
Regarding a query about methamphetamine concealed in Tang jar she replied that it was also a unique case held on 29th of July, 2016, during the checking of the baggage of passengers of flight no. SV-723, a passenger holding Pakistani passport no. JV1817211 departing to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was stopped for checking in International Departure Hall.
The baggage search led to the recovery of 1.150 kilogram ice crystal methamphetamine, the Tang jar was wrapped in clothes, she added that the most interesting thing in this concealment was that Tang jar was sealed and even inside the tang jar small clothes were placed to hide the crystals, Port of destination i.e. Riyadh, KSA in this case is also worth noting where trade of contraband is highly restricted.
Another query about heroin concealed in cavities of suitcases Naghma e Tehniat that on 9th June, 2016 during the checking of the baggage of passengers of flight no.QR-633 (Qatar Airways) a passenger holding passport no. HA5460321 R/o. House No. 179 Mohallaha Madahawn wala, Khushab, departing to Madina via Doha was stopped for checking in International Departure Hall.
The baggage search led to the recovery of heroine powder weighing 1.800 kilogram artfully concealed in the cavities of plastic frame inside the suitcase and in the iron handle of the suit case, she adding that uncovering in such cases is extremely difficult as finding cavities in places which are not subject to usual search is not an easy task.
Answering to another query regarding currency concealed in folds of clothes the deputy collector said that on 2nd June, 2016 during the checking of baggage of passengers for flight no.PA-210 Islamabad to Dubai, a passenger Passport No. AA1828163 R/o. Mohallaha Imran Zai tehsil Swabi, was directed to Customs counter in International Departure Hall.
During search of his baggage lead to the recovery of UAE dirhams 42500/- Saudi riyal 330000/- concealed in clothing packed in two suitcases. It is relevant to mention here that the passenger had already passed through ASF scanner.
The currency was detected only after thorough examination as it gives white image when spread evenly inside clothes and detection is not possible through scanning.