ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has seized 1,200 kilograms of charas worth billions of rupees during an intelligence-based anti-smuggling operation near the M-2 Motorway, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said on Thursday.
According to Pakistan Customs, the operation was carried out by the Anti-Smuggling Squad of the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Islamabad, at around 2:30am on October 2 following information about the movement of a large narcotics consignment.
Customs officials recovered 1,200kg of charas, around 100kg of poppy seeds, a firearm and a non-customs-paid Toyota Prado, which was allegedly being used to transport the contraband.
Officials said the suspects fled after detecting the presence of the Customs team, taking advantage of darkness. The vehicle, narcotics and other recovered items were subsequently taken into Customs custody.
The seized narcotics have an estimated international market value of approximately Rs5.40 billion, while the overall value of the seizure, including the vehicle and other items, has been assessed at around Rs5.41 billion.
An FIR has been registered against unidentified suspects under relevant provisions of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, and the Customs Act, 1969.
The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Islamabad, has launched further investigations to identify and arrest those involved and determine the wider network behind the transportation of the narcotics consignment.
Pakistan Customs said it would continue intelligence-led operations against narcotics smuggling and other forms of illicit trafficking across the country.