KARACHI: Pakistan Customs Enforcement Karachi has seized 212 kilograms of charas during an intelligence-based operation after a suspected smuggling vehicle attempted to flee from authorities on the Lyari Expressway.
According to a press release issued on Thursday, the seizure was made during an operation conducted on September 8 following credible information about the movement of narcotics in Karachi.
An Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) team from the Superhighway Check Post attempted to intercept a suspicious Toyota Premio, bearing registration number CBQ-843, near Hassan Square Interchange during the intervening night of September 7 and 8.
The vehicle allegedly failed to stop and sped towards Aga Khan Hospital. Customs personnel pursued the vehicle as it attempted to evade interception.
During the chase, the suspected vehicle collided with a Customs Vigo, registration number GP-293, near the National Stadium Signal.
The Customs team also came under aerial firing from suspected pilot vehicles during the pursuit, according to the department.
Despite the challenging situation, Customs personnel continued the operation and eventually intercepted the Toyota Premio near Aga Khan Hospital Signal.
The vehicle was then taken to the Superhighway Check Post for a detailed search.
During the examination, Customs officials recovered 212 packets of charas from the vehicle’s trunk. Each packet weighed approximately one kilogram, bringing the total quantity of seized narcotics to 212 kilograms.
The seized narcotics and the vehicle have been taken into custody, while further legal formalities are being completed.
An FIR is also being registered under the relevant provisions of law, the Customs department said.
Pakistan Customs Enforcement Karachi said the operation reflected its continued focus on intelligence-based action against smuggling and narcotics trafficking.
The department reiterated that it would continue efforts to prevent the illegal movement of contraband and curb narcotics trafficking in order to protect society from the harmful effects of illegal drugs and smuggling.