KARACHI: Model Customs Collectorate of Preventive has seized 477 kilograms hashish in shape of slabs, rods and ‘garda’ along with modified bus bearing 220 live goats worth Rs 44,903,800.
This was revealed by Collector of MCC-Preventive S M Tariq Huda while addressing a press conference on Wednesday at Customs House, Karachi.
Collector MCC-Preventive S M Tariq Huda informed the media that a special team of customs officials headed by Assistant Collector Muhammad Wasif Malik on a tip-off mounted surveillance at RCD Highway at Mochko checkpoint.
“A bus loaded with goats was noticed coming from Hub towards Karachi on March 24 which was signalled to stop, but the driver continued to drive after a chase of 5 minutes. The Customs officials’ team succeeded to intercept the bus,” he informed.
“During search of the vehicle, it was found that the hashish in shape of slabs and rods was concealed under cloth, grass and hay,” he added.
Responding to a query, Collector Huda said that no arrest could be made during operation while further investigations were underway in this regard.
Speaking at the occasion, Collector MCC-Preventive asserted that smuggling of Iranian diesel was a major phenomenon and huge investments are being made into this illegal business.
To another query, he confirmed that the MCC-Preventive was facing acute shortage of resources which were creating impediments in operations against smugglers.
He further said that the other Law Enforcing Agencies (LEAs) should stand with Pakistan Customs in curbing smuggling activities, adding that the government has assured the FBR authorities to resolve the issues faced by Pakistan Customs.
Answering to another query, Collector MCC-Preventive Tariq Huda said that Pakistan Customs will conduct operations against smugglers and drug peddlers in the jurisdiction of sensitive areas, already mentioned after getting the “green signal by provincial government of Sindh.
Assistant Collector Muhammad Wasif Malik, Pakistan Customs Spokesman Qamar Thalho and other customs officials were also present on the occasion.
