Customs Marine Section of Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Gwadar has foiled a major attempt to smuggle 24 falcons worth millions of rupees to UAE. Sources told Business Recorder on Monday that seizure of 24 falcons was unprecedented, as such a large number of falcons had never been seized in the past.
These falcons were being smuggled to UAE through Arabian Sea, but the squad nabbed the smugglers near Jiwani. In a recent attempt, 13 falcons were seized by the collectorate whereas six falcons were seized earlier at Turbat Airport. Three more falcons were seized in recent past during operation near Jiwani.
Since assuming charge of Collector of Customs, MCC Gwadar by Dr Arslan Subuctageen, the collectorate has intensified anti-smuggling actions in costal areas particularly Pak-Iran border. The smuggling of rare-breed falcons to United Arab Emirates (UAE) through Arabian Sea was said to have been effectively controlled through vigilant anti-smuggling operations by MCC, Gwadar.
Collector MCC Gwadar has taken special measures to control smuggling particularly of falcons through sea route. Several attempts have been made to smuggle falcons in the past, therefore surveillance and monitoring of sea and land routes has been actively increased by anti-smuggling squads with the help of other relevant departments. Dr Subuctageen is also supervising all such anti-smuggling operations to strictly check movement of smuggled goods, illicit trade of falcons and smuggling across Pak-Iran border.
In few weeks, the number of seized falcons has gone to 46 due to effective anti-smuggling operations by the department. The recent seizures made through anti-smuggling operations have shown decrease in illicit trade of falcons. The MCC has activated its Marine Sections at Jiwani Customs Station and Marine Section of Gwadar which were dormant in the past. The Jiwani Customs Station has intercepted different boats/vessels and foiled attempts to smuggle falcons to UAE. Jiwani is a far flung area within territorial jurisdiction of MCC Gwadar.