Customs authorities have successfully foiled a major smuggling attempt after recovering a large quantity of foreign-origin Chinese salt and cigarettes concealed inside a refrigerated (reefer) container intercepted at FEU Ziarat Cross, Balochistan.
According to the inventory prepared by Customs, the recovered items include:
According to official sources, Customs staff intercepted a vehicle bearing registration number TLH-218 two days ago, which was transporting a reefer container.
During preliminary questioning, the driver claimed that the vehicle was carrying sensitive cargo under a special movement authorization allegedly issued by the Ministry of Interior.
To support his claim, the driver presented a purported authorization letter bearing an endorsement described as “countersigned by Collector Customs.” The document stated the movement route from Mangochar to Multan.
However, during further interrogation, the driver contradicted his statement, claiming that the goods had actually been loaded from Hazar Ganji, Quetta.
The inconsistent statements, discrepancies in the authorization document, and the suspicious nature of transporting vegetable cargo from Balochistan to Punjab raised serious doubts among Customs officials.
Acting on profiling and suspicion, Customs authorities decided to physically inspect the vehicle despite resistance from the concerned party. Upon opening the reefer container, officials initially found potatoes loaded in the front section. However, after removing the potato bags, they discovered concealed sacks of foreign-origin Ajinomoto (Chinese salt).
Further inspection led to the recovery of cartons of foreign-origin cigarettes hidden beneath the vegetable cargo. Officials stated that the sophisticated concealment method clearly indicated an organized smuggling attempt, using vegetables as cover along with a suspected fake authorization letter.
Customs authorities said the timely action successfully foiled the attempt involving concealment, misdeclaration, and misuse of official-looking documents.
Further investigation has been launched to determine the origin, destination, and network behind the smuggling operation.
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