Customs seizes smuggled contraband items at Torkham

ISLAMABAD: Continuing on its relentless anti-smuggling drive, Pakistan Customs, FBR has seized contraband items (narcotics) valuing Rs. 1340 Million in two separate actions which were being smuggled to Pakistan through Torkham.

In the first incident, Pakistan Customs confiscated contraband items containing Heroine weighing 35 Kgs and Methamphetamine (ice drugs) 17.4 Kgs valuing Rs. 550 Million. Upon credible information, a Customs Vigilance Team was deployed to detect the suspected vehicle. A suspected vehicle arrived at Torkham Customs Station and remained parked.

The Vigilance Team waited for handlers to arrive, however, no one approached the vehicle. The Customs took control of the vehicle and drove it to Peshawar (39 Km from Torkham). The fuel tank was cut open and found that half of the tank was separately welded for concealment of narcotics.

Similarly, in another action, Pakistan Customs seized a huge cache of 113 heroine powder bags weighing 80 KGs and valuing Rs. 790 Million at Torkham. The vehicle carrying smuggled item was flagged suspicious by the staff of Appraisement collectorate.

During thorough examination, concealed cavities were discovered in the fuel tank and frame of the vehicle, which were cleverly welded. The cavities were cut opened and huge cache of narcotics (heroine powder) was recovered. Drivers of the vehicles have been arrested and FIR has been lodged in both cases. Further investigation on the matters are underway.

It is pertinent to mention that Federal Board of Revenue is following a policy of zero tolerance against smuggling and thereby has increased vigilance and surveillance of cargo movement across the border.

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin has commended FBR for its successful anti-smuggling drive across Pakistan. Likewise, Chairman FBR/Secretary Revenue Division, Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed has appreciated Member Customs (Ops) FBR, Syed Muhammad Tariq Huda, in ensuring zero tolerance against smuggling of all shades and grades.

He has announced cash awards and merit certificates for the Customs Team posted at Torkham on conducting two back to back successful operations. He further reiterated his unflinching resolve to fight the menace of smuggling across the country in order to maximize tax compliance.