HYDERABAD: The Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) confiscated smuggled cigarettes and Toyota Corolla worth Rs 2 million during raid in Sukkur division.
As per the details, Hyderabad Customs Collector Dr. Agha Shahid Majeed received credible information about smuggling of foreign origin smuggled cigarettes through a car. After receiving the tip off, he immediately formed a raiding party under the supervision of Additional Collector Rehmatullah Vistro.
The team intercepted a vehicle, Toyota Corolla bearing Registration No AUS-411 model 2010 at a check post near Sukkur division and recovered foreign origin cigarettes. The officials asked the driver to show documents regarding legal import and lawful possession of the recovered items, but he could not produce the same.
Therefore, the officials confiscated the items under the customs law, besides impounding the vehicle being used for smuggling. The seized items have been shifted to Sukkur Warehouse, while case has been submitted to the Customs Adjudication for further proceedings. The customs will present the said item for auction, if case is decided in favour of the department.
The ASO team comprising, Assistant Collector Zam Zam Aman, Superintendent Shabbir Phalphotu, inspectors and others participated in the action carried out against the smuggling. Officials said that efforts were being made to curb smuggling in the region, adding that surveillance has been enhanced on roads to keep an eye on smuggling of non-duty paid items and vehicles.
