Karachi Customs intercepts smuggled diesel, betel nuts valued at millions

KARACHI: In a significant operation aimed at combating smuggling activities, the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Karachi has successfully seized a substantial quantity of illicit goods, comprising diesel oil and betel nuts, with an estimated value reaching millions of rupees.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi, conducted a targeted interception operation during the night of May 8th to May 9th, 2024.

The operation unfolded at the Customs Hamdard Choke Point, situated along the Northern Bypass.

During the operation, authorities intercepted two vehicles: a dumper Hino truck bearing registration number TAR-606 and a Mazda truck registered as SDA 703.

Upon thorough inspection, the vehicles were found to be transporting 5,000 kilogrammes of betel nuts and 5,500 litres of Iranian diesel oil. The combined value of the seized contraband is estimated to stand at Rs22.5 million.

This decisive action was carried out under the direct supervision of Basit Maqsood Abbasi, the Collector of Customs Enforcement, Karachi, who has significantly ramped up efforts to combat the pervasive issue of smuggling within the region.

Spokesman S.M. Irfan emphasised the rigorous measures undertaken by the authorities to stem the flow of illicit goods entering Karachi from Balochistan and being trafficked onwards to other parts of the country.

In a striking testament to the effectiveness of recent enforcement efforts, the Collectorate has reported a string of successful seizures over the past week alone.

These seizures include illicit goods valued at PKR 45 million, encompassing 5,700 kilogrammes of betel nuts, 25,000 litres of Iranian petrol and diesel, as well as assorted electronic items.

Furthermore, the confiscation of 17 non-customs-paid vehicles, with an estimated worth of PKR 64 million, brings the total value of seized goods to an impressive PKR 131.5 million.

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