Two injured, truck set ablaze as Customs raid on Karachi's Maymar Plaza descends into chaos

Shopkeepers told to bring valid receipts to retrieve confiscated items or pay duties

Chaos ensued near Karachi's Maymar Plaza on Monday, when shopkeepers retaliated to a raid by Customs officials. At least two people were injured. 

A team of Customs personnel, supported by Sindh Police and Rangers, carried out a raid at the textile market located at Tariq Road in search of smuggled goods. Angered at the unannounced search, shopkeepers pelted stones at the raid party, with some even allegedly opening fire. 

Law enforcement personnel opened retaliatory fire to disperse the crowd. 

Read: Customs to coordinate raids with traders to rebuild trust

Two people, injured in the crossfire, were shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, where they were identified as 21-year-old Share Masih and 36-year-old Sameer.

The enraged shopkeepers burned tyres on the road near Liberty Chowk on Tariq Road, even setting ablaze a Shahzor truck.

According to police, Customs officials recovered smuggled cloth worth millions. The Customs department told shopkeepers that if they have valid customs receipts for the seized material, they may visit the Customs Office and reclaim seized items. Otherwise, they need to pay the required duties.