Massive Betel Nut Smuggling Foiled by Customs in Khurkhera
Gadani, Pakistan – April 24:
Gadani Customs officials have intercepted a huge smuggling attempt of betel nuts concealed in a passenger bus. The goods and vehicle seized are worth over PKR 69 million. The Customs Enforcement team in Khurkhera conducted this successful operation following confidential input.
The tip was given by Collector Azhar Hussain Merchant, who alerted about betel nuts smuggled from Quetta being moved to Karachi on a bus (number BSB-888 belonging to Balochistan). In swift action, Additional Collector Najeeb Arjumand directed the Field Enforcement Unit (FEU) to act.
It was approximately 6:00 AM when the bus, suspected to be carrying foreign betel nuts, came near the Khurkhera check post but disregarded flags to halt. The driver attempted to flee towards Othal City. Customs officers pursued and detained the bus. The driver escaped, but a thorough search of the vehicle ensued.
What They Found:
6,820 kg of foreign betel nuts in 620 bags
Stored in hidden compartments: underneath the floor, ceiling, and rear of the bus
CIF value: PKR 6.1 million
Market value: PKR 34.1 million
Passenger bus solely utilized for smuggling, worth PKR 35 million
Total duty/taxes evaded: PKR 27.9 million
The customs officials seized the goods under the Customs Act, 1969 and Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950.
It’s difficult to stop buses at this checkpoint, according to Superintendent Abdul Rauf Bhutto, because there are no barriers. Nevertheless, the hard work of the team paid off. Witnesses testified that the goods were well concealed and obviously smuggled.
Nobody turned up to claim the goods or the bus, and so both were officially seized by customs. A notice was put up at the Khurkhera check post and Custom House Gadani. The case has now been referred to legal action.
Collector Azhar Hussain Merchant appreciated his team for their coordination and hard work. He stated, “This is evidence of our tough stand against smuggling. We will not let illegal goods pass through.”
