KHUZDAR: Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Khuzdar and Frontier Corps (FC) raided a godown near Hajra Aswad Hotel near Khuzdar City and recovered 18,000 kilograms of smuggled betel nuts worth Rs108 million.
Sources told Customs Today that the intelligence based operation (IBO) was carried out following intelligence received by Collector Khuzdar Enforcement Saleem Memon.
Deputy Collector Khuzdar Enforcement Syed Talha Salman supervised the operation, coordinating with FC Kalat Scouts to plan and execute the raid. At 3:10 am, the team descended upon the godown, where they discovered 1,500 bags of betel nut, each weighing 12 kg. The total haul amounted to a staggering 18,000 kg, with an estimated market value of Rs108 million.
The godown’s strategic location atop a hill posed challenges during the operation, compounded by the cover of darkness. Despite these obstacles, the law enforcement team acted swiftly, securing the contraband. Regrettably, the watchman on duty managed to evade capture.
An FIR has been filed, and further investigation is underway to trace the origins of the smuggled betel nut. Chief Collector Yaqoob Mako, known for his unwavering stance against smuggling, has been closely monitoring the situation.
Customs Baluchistan has a remarkable track record to curb smuggling in the jurisdiction and because of the involvement of COAS General Asim Munir, the beneficiaries of smuggling including politicians, businessmen, law enforcement and security officers/officials as well as Customs personnel are unable to rescue the smugglers.
