The staff of Model Collectorate of Customs (MCC) -Preventive posted at the international departure of Jinnah International Airport Friday recovered antiques, vintage ornaments and others worth $10 million in the international market from a passenger, leaving for Bangkok; it is learnt.
According to sources, credible information was received by Chief Collector Zahid Khokar that some unscrupulous elements were planning to smuggle huge quantity of antiques and vintage ornaments to Bangkok, Thailand through carrier (Khapiya). Reacting to it, the staff of MCC, Preventive was directed to mount vigilance at the international departure of the airport to avert the smuggling bid.
Sources added that the staff during surveillance intercepted a passenger namely Raheel Shakeel, who was going to Bangkok, Thailand by Thai Airways flight. They said that staff during examination recovered large quantity of antiquities from his possession. Consequent upon recovery, he was detained and further investigation was underway.
When contacted, chief collector Zahid Khokar confirmed to have seized antiques vintage ornaments and others at airport. He said: "Antiques includes statues ornaments and blades of ancient times of Ghandhara and Mehar Garh Balochistan". Furthermore he said that seized antiquities were ranged from 1500 years to 4000 years. He said that Muhammad Shah Bukhari, head of archaeology department was of the view that the value of the seized antiques was around $10 million in international market. He apprised that investigation had been initiated and department was putting all its efforts to nab Raheel's accomplices.
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