An operation on Karachi’s Northern Bypass to smuggle chalia (betel nuts) worth millions was thwarted on Wednesday by Pakistan customs intelligence.
According to information, the anti-smuggling squad of Pakistani customs stopped a dumper on the northern bypass of Karachi during an intelligence-based operation.
In response to a tip, the customs team put in place intense surveillance, which resulted in the seizure of a dump truck carrying betel nuts worth around Rs26 million. A case has been filed, and further investigation is underway.
The dangerous drug chalia (betel nuts), according to the customs inspectors, was concealed in the stones and several other cars were in the convoy with the dumper.
Four non-custom-paid cars were also seized by the customs inspectors. The vehicles and chalia (betel nuts) are valued at Rs55 million.
In an earlier large-scale operation, Pakistan Customs in Karachi seized non-duty-paid products worth over Rs160 million.
The Pakistan Customs anti-smuggling team conducted the operations in various Karachi neighbourhoods.
In another raid, the Pakistani customs team seized significant quantities of betel nuts, cigarettes, and gutka from a bus after acting on a tip-off in Liaquatabad. The items reportedly cost Rs26 million.
