MULTAN: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation, Multan Region, has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, seizing non-customs paid goods and vehicles valued at approximately Rs511 million during August 2024.
Led by Director Muhammad Saeed Wattoo, and supported by Member Customs (Operations) and Chairman FBR Rashid Mehmood Langrial, the Directorate has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against smuggling, achieving significant results. Additional Director Mumtaz Ali Raza and Deputy Directors Umair Zahid have played crucial roles in identifying and intercepting smuggling routes, despite resistance from organized criminal networks.
Following directives from Director Muhammad Saeed Wattoo, aggressive anti-smuggling operations were conducted throughout June, with teams led by Additional Director Mumtaz Ali Khan targeting multiple checkpoints across various cities in the region.
The confiscated items, impounded under the Customs Act of 1969, include vehicles, smuggled diesel, cigarettes, betel nuts, paan parag, Iranian saffron, Chinese salt, and other products. These items have been transferred to a designated warehouse for further legal action. The seized goods also encompass non-duty paid cigarettes, poppy seeds, sexual medicines, solvent plants, gutka, crushed betel nuts, plastic bags, high-speed diesel, and skimmed milk. A total of 18 seizure cases were reported by the Field Intelligence Unit of Customs during August.
Director Muhammad Saeed Wattoo emphasized the department’s commitment to curbing smuggling activities, stressing the negative impact on the national economy and local industries. Customs authorities in the Multan Region have pledged to continue their proactive approach, with plans to intensify enforcement measures against smuggling networks in the future.
