Pakistan Customs seizes 80,000 litres of Iranian diesel worth Rs40.4 million

In a decisive move, Pakistan Customs successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle Iranian diesel worth a staggering Rs40.4 million in the port city of Gwadar, Balochistan, this Monday.

Acting upon intelligence, Customs officials in Gwadar executed a targeted operation, resulting in the seizure of two large oil tankers brimming with 80,000 litres of Iranian diesel, valued at Rs40.4 million.

Director General of Customs, Faiz Ahmed, revealed that these tankers, laden with smuggled Iranian diesel, were en route to various parts of Balochistan before being intercepted.

During the operation, investigators also confiscated receipts purportedly from a private fuel station, which, upon careful scrutiny, were exposed as counterfeit.

According to ARY News, this significant interception follows the firm directives of the Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, who urged customs authorities and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to curb the illicit trade of essential commodities such as sugar, petroleum products, urea, agricultural goods, and more.

The caretaker premier emphasised this imperative during a high-level meeting focused on enhancing control measures in border areas.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Kakar, saw the participation of key figures, including Caretaker Federal Minister for Trade Gohar Ejaz, Minister for Interior Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Minister for Petroleum Muhammad Ali, Advisor to the PM Ahmed Cheema, federal secretaries, the Federal Board of Revenue chairman, and senior officers from various law enforcement agencies.

This successful operation not only underscores the dedication of Pakistani customs officials to safeguarding the nation’s economic interests but also serves as a stern warning to those engaged in illegal activities.