Nine truckloads of smuggled goods seized

Customs Intelligence staff have seized nine trucks loaded with smuggled cigarettes, betel nut and shisha flavour worth Rs220 million.

According to an official statement, customs and law enforcement agencies conducted raids at hideouts at Shah Alam Market, Pan Mandi and around the railway station.

The largest quantity of smuggled cigarettes in history of Lahore was seized during the operation carried out under the supervision of Additional Director Rizwan Bashir.

Resistance faced during the raids in densely populated areas was foiled by the police.

Lahore Customs Intelligence Director Haris Ansari said while speaking to The Express Tribune that indiscriminate action would be taken against smugglers.

He said against smugglers in a big city like Lahore would hit the supply line of smuggled goods to small cities. Additional Director Rizwan Bashir said intelligence had been gathered for two weeks before the raids.

He said that instead of shopkeepers and salesmen, the smugglers and their patrons were being targeted and major arrests were expected in coming days.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2023.