Large-scale smuggling of Iranian petrol: Customs enforcement authorities launch crackdown in Punjab

LAHORE: The Customs enforcement authorities have started a crackdown in Punjab in view of large-scale smuggling of Iranian petrol after the recent increase of Rs9.66 per litre in the prices of petrol in the country.

Sargodha and Multan Collectorates of Pakistan Customs Enforcement Anti-Smuggling in Punjab seized 256,308 liters of high speed diesel worth more than Rs60 million during snap checking on highways. This large consignment of oil was being brought in secret boxes made in different trucks. Apparently, coal was being brought to Punjab in the trucks but during checking high speed diesel in different boxes below coal was found. Customs officials also recovered 9,500 liters of white spirit during these raids.

Sources said special customs teams have been formed in the border districts of Punjab, including Attock and Dera Ghazi Khan.

The sources said that during the last three months, Customs Enforcement Collectorates in Punjab have seized smuggled goods including tyres, non-custom paid vehicles (cars and jeeps), skimmed milk, plastic bags, beetle nuts and clothes, besides mobile phones and food supplements at airports. Foreign currency, alcohol, medicines and drugs have also been seized at the General Post Offices and the value of these items is more than Rs600 million. Sources said that following reports of possible use of smuggled mobile phones in terrorist incidents, Customs Enforcement has seized a large number of modern iPhones worth more than Rs100 million during checking at airports, including Lahore.