ISLAMABAD: The Collectorate of Customs seized Rs8 million worth of foreign-origin betel nuts from Akbar Express which was going from Quetta to Lahore.
Collector Ashraf Ali received credible information that foreign-origin goods i.e betel nuts, tyres, Pine cigarettes, converters and blankets are being smuggled through Akbar Express to Lahore.
He immediately directed Deputy Collector Maqbool Jan and Zubair Shah to use all available resources to foil any attempt of smuggling. The customs team comprised of Superintendent Preventive Niamat Kakar, Inspectors Ghulam Hussain Khoso, Salauddin Khoso, Muhammad Asghar , Sohbat Khan.
The customs team intercepted Akhtar Express which was stationed in Kolpur Railway Station and recovered foreign-origin smuggled goods from the passenger compartments of the train. During investigations no one came forward to claim ownership of the recovered goods.
It is necessary to mention here that Collector Customs Ashraf Ali adopted a comprehensive strategy to curb smuggling attempts in the region and due to this strategy there is marginable decrease is being witnessed in smuggling attempts.