DERA ISMAIL KHAN: In a major anti-smuggling operation, the Customs Enforcement team seized a large consignment of foreign-origin narcotics valued at more than Rs910 million during a routine vigilance check at IP-JCP Aman Mela.
The operation was conducted on credible intelligence provided by the Deputy Collector Customs D.I. Khan-II, under the directives of the Collector Customs Enforcement, Peshawar, said a news release.
The enforcement team intercepted a Daewoo passenger bus (Registration No. CAT-4488) and recovered 15.2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ICE) concealed in three specially designed inverters hidden inside the bus.
The driver and conductor of the bus were arrested on the spot, and a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against them.
The recovered narcotics comprised 15 packets of foreign-origin substance resembling ICE (Crystal Methamphetamine), weighing a total of 15,350 grams (net 15,200 grams after sampling).
The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth Rs910.200 million, while the value of the confiscated bus stands at Rs15 million, bringing the total worth of the seizure to approximately Rs925.200 million.
As the recovered narcotics were being transported from IP-JCP Aman Mela to the State Warehouse, the Customs staff came under attack by unidentified miscreants/terrorists, who opened straight and indiscriminate fire on the customs convoy.
The attack appeared to be aimed at harming the customs personnel due to high market value of the seized narcotics. However, the swift and courageous response of the customs team ensured the safety of both personnel and the seized goods.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Army troops and police personnel acted swiftly and reached the site of the incident promptly, providing immediate support and security.
They safely escorted the Customs staff and the recovered narcotics consignment to the State Warehouse, D.I. Khan, without any loss of life or property.
This successful operation demonstrates the continued commitment of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) against smuggling and narcotics trafficking.
