LAHORE” In a concerted effort to combat illegal activities and promote lawful trade, on the direction of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, in coordination with Member Customs Mukaram Jah, Chief Enforcement Lahore Mubashir Baig, Collector Enforcement Lahore Abbas Ali Gardezi, Additional Collector Junaid Usman, and a dedicated team from the Customs Enforcement Department, carried out a successful operation in the areas of Town Ship and Green Town in Lahore.
During the operation, codenamed “Crackdown Area,” the team, known as ASO (Anti-Smuggling Organization) Customs Enforcement Lahore, conducted a targeted raid aimed at intercepting and seizing smuggled goods. The operation, which lasted several hours, resulted in the confiscation of contraband worth millions of rupees, estimated to be around Rs 20 million.
The seized goods consisted of a variety of items of foreign origin, including cigarettes, shisha flavors, Indian tobacco, betel nuts, and Rattna tobacco. These items are known to be frequently smuggled into the country to avoid taxes and regulations. The illegal trade of such goods not only poses a significant threat to public health and safety but also undermines the country’s economy.
The Chief Enforcement Lahore, Mubashir Baig, praised the efforts of the ASO Customs Enforcement team for their diligence and commitment in carrying out the operation successfully. He emphasized that the crackdown on illicit goods was a top priority for the government to protect the interests of legitimate businesses and ensure public welfare.
The Collector Enforcement Lahore, Abbas Ali Gardezi, highlighted the impact of such operations on curbing illegal trade and preserving a fair trading environment. He stated, “Our goal is to eradicate smuggling and illegal trade activities that harm the economy and endanger public health. We will continue to take stringent action against those involved in such unlawful practices.”
The Additional Collector, Junaid Usman, emphasized the importance of public support in fighting against the illicit trade of goods. He urged citizens to report any suspicious activities or information related to smuggling to assist the authorities in their efforts to combat this menace effectively.
The seized goods will be subject to further investigation, and legal action will be taken against those found responsible for their smuggling and distribution. The government aims to send a strong message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated and that strict measures will be implemented to enforce the rule of law.
This successful operation serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, promoting fair trade practices, and safeguarding the welfare of the Pakistani people. The collaboration between the Prime Minister, Member Customs, Chief Enforcement Lahore, and the Customs Enforcement Department underscores the collective determination to tackle illegal activities head-on and foster a prosperous and lawful society.