Crackdown launched on wheat smugglers

RAWALPINDI:

To prevent illegal transportation and smuggling of wheat and flour in Rawalpindi, the Food Department and Rawalpindi Police have set up joint checkpoints at 8 different places. CCTV cameras have been installed for monitoring, and a crackdown has also been launched.

Already, 21 cases have been registered, 21 people have been arrested, and 291 tonnes of flour and 28 tonnes of wheat have been recovered.

When contacted by Express, District Food Controller Muhammad Ramzan said that there is no restriction on the transportation of flour, however, it is mandatory for those transporting flour and wheat to obtain a permit and during checking, action is being taken against those who are found transporting flour illegally without a permit.

According to Rawalpindi police officials, joint teams of the Food Department and the police have also seized vehicles used for smuggling flour. Action against flour and wheat smuggling was taken in the areas of Chakri, Taxila, Saddar Wah and the airport.

Officials said that special cameras have been installed on all the entrance and exit routes of the city, while 8 special Pickets have also been set up. Officials said, “Effective monitoring is being done on flour and wheat smuggling. The involved persons cannot escape the clutches of the law; prevention of flour and wheat smuggling is being ensured as per the instructions of the Punjab government.”