QUETTA: Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (I&I) impounded huge quantity of smuggled betel nuts which was tactfully hidden in a LPG Bowser.
Sources told that information was passed through Director Muhammad Ismail to Deputy Director Muhammad Zohaib that large quantity of foreign origin betel nut would be transported through Hino trailer with LPG bowser from Noshki to Quetta and down country under the garb of fake Customs documents.
Sources further told that a team was formed comprising Intelligence Officer Muhammad Shabbir and S. Hamid Habib, LDC Zohaib Mujeeb and others to mount surveillance. During the course, the suspected vehicle was intercepted at Noshki road. Detailed examination of the bowser led to recovery of huge quantity of Betel Nut weighing 37 tons.
The recovered foreign origin betel nuts are smuggled one and have been brought into the country through illegally and un-authorized routes.
The recovered foreign origin smuggled betel nuts along with Hino trailer with LPG Bowser were seized having being used for transportation of smuggled betel nuts.
A letter addressed to ETO, MRA has been sent to provide the particular of the vehicle and the basis of registration and the basis of registration.
To ascertain any manipulation, alteration, tainting or forgery exercised on the chassis number, the CCPO Quetta has also been requested to conduct the chemical examination of the chassis of the seized vehicle.
Customs I&I Quetta has been very efficient in the drive against smuggling and the team has made many cases involving revenue evasion of millions of rupees.
