Islamabad Staff Reporter
The Enforcement Collectorate of Gadani, acting on a tip-off, seized 30.5 metric tons of smuggled foreign-made chalia and four passenger buses near Ashok Pump in Hub district, with the total estimated value of the confiscated goods and vehicles reaching approximately PKR 252.5 million.
According to an FBR statement issued on Wednesday, the operation was based on verified intelligence received by the Chief Collector (Enforcement). A Customs Enforcement team was promptly dispatched to the site to verify and act upon the information. During initial surveillance, the team assessed potential resistance and security risks.
To ensure the operation’s effectiveness, assistance was sought from the Frontier Corps and local police. Upon reaching the designated location, the enforcement team found the suspect buses parked as informed. A crowd gathered as law enforcement began the operation, causing some disorder. During the encounter, the bus drivers managed to flee the scene, but Customs, FC, and police joint efforts restored control.
Due to the tense situation, the seized buses were immediately taken into custody and transferred to the Customs Warehouse in Gadani. Detailed inspection in the presence of witnesses led to the recovery of the 30.5 metric tons of smuggled chalia. The four confiscated buses bore registration numbers BSE-088, BSH-999, BSB-919, and BSB-613.
The FBR spokesperson emphasized that enforcement actions will continue to protect the national economy and curb smuggling and corruption.