Customs Intelligence seize heroin, opium worth Rs. 656 million

ISLAMABAD: Customs Intelligence, in two separate operations, recovered and seized 8 kilogram heroin and 84 KG opium valued at Rs 4.7 million and Rs.11.04 million respectively, including the vehicles.

In pursuance of specific information that an attempt would be made to smuggle foreign origin heroin from Khyber agency to Punjab via Motorway (M-1) and ultimately abroad, on July 4, 2011 customs officials mounted surveillance near Peshawar Toll Plaza, M-1.

According to a statement issued by the FBR on Friday, a suspected Toyota Corolla car bearing registration No. ACJ-697 (Sindh) coming from Peshawar side was stopped. On cursory checking presence of drugs was detected in the car. The driver of the car namely Muhammad Ashraf S/O Ahmed Gul was taken into custody and the car was brought to Regional Office, Peshawar.

Detailed search of the car led to the recovery of 8 KG heroin concealed in the secret cavity specially designed for the purpose. The heroin and the vehicle valued at Rs. 4.7 million have been seized under the customs Act, 1969 and the CNSA, 1997. An FIR has been lodged and further investigation is in progress.

In another operation on July 6, the customs officials intercepted a suspected Nissan Trailer bearing Rg.No.AE-1445 (Hyderabad) on G.T. Road,Chamkani, coming from Peshawar side. Cursory checking revealed presence of drugs in the vehicle.

The driver of the trailer namely Naeem Abbasi S/O Muhammad Younas Khan was taken into custody and the trailer mounted with 40 feet empty container was brought to Regional Office, Peshawar.

Detailed search of the trailer led to recovery of 84 KG opium concealed in the secret cavity made behind the driver's cabin. The opium and the vehicle valued at Rs. 11,040,000 have been seized under the customs Act, 1969 and CNSA, 1997. FIR has been lodged and further investigation is in progress.

International market value of heroin and opium seized is estimated at Rs. 320 million and Rs.336 million respectively, the statement added.