QUETTA: The Mobile Squad, Model Customs Collectorate (MCC), Quetta, seized 2,400 kilogram of Indian origin betel nuts after exchange of fire between the customs staff and smugglers. The vehicle of the customs squad was badly damage due to firing of the smugglers, however no human injury is reported.
According to details explained by Ashraf Ali, Collector, MCC, Quetta that, on a tip-off, the Customs Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) along with the assistance of PAF base Samungli staff impounded 2,400 kilogram of betel nuts from a Hiace van. He added that the total value of the seized betel nuts was estimated Rs3.3million.
It is pertinent to mention here that, while shifting the seized betel nuts from the place of seizure to the Customs House Quetta, the smugglers attacked customs staff and tried to snatch the confiscated item but, soon after the exchange of fire, the ASO staff managed to take control of the seized article. During this attempt, a mobile squad van, carrying the contraband article, was badly damaged.
An FIR has been registered against the unidentified smugglers while the case has been forwarded to the Intelligence and Prosecution (I&P) Department for further investigation. The ASO Quetta is showing satisfactory performance against the smugglers of the NDP vehicles as well as the smugglers of foreign origin goods and diesel. The enforcement squad of the MCC Quetta seized Iranian diesel and smuggled goods along with the NDP vehicles worth Rs151.91million during the month of March FY17-18.
