Model Customs Collectorate (MCC) Gwadar in a joint operation with Maritime Security Agency (MSA) has successfully seized a fishing launch being used in smuggling of 15,000 litres of Iranian diesel into Pakistan, costing millions and arrested all five smugglers on board.
Sources told Business Recorder, here on Thursday that the MCC of Gwadar marine section located in Gwadar, in a joint operation with Maritime Security Agency (MSA) on Thursday morning in high seas between Jiwani and Gwadar waters seized a launch attempting to smuggle 15,000 litres of Iranian Diesel into Pakistan. The value of the sized launch is approx, Rs 4000000.
An FIR has been lodged and further investigations are in progress. The name of persons (crew members) arrested are: Abdul Ghafoor s/o Washdil; Majeed s/o Tajoo; Asaa s/o Bohair and Gohar Ali s/o Meher Ali R/O (unknown). MCC Gwadar has notified a large-scale operation against smugglers of Iranian goods particularly petroleum products across the coastal jurisdiction of Pak-Iran border and started seizures of Iranian petrol/diesel along with carriers of smuggled products.
The customs authorities of Gwadar have intensified patrolling and checking at border areas near Iran with the help of anti-smuggling squads of customs officers intercepted several vehicles carrying Iranian POL products. A clear and loud message has been given to the organised gangs and powerful mafia involved in smuggling of Iranian products.
This unexpected anti-smuggling operation across coastal jurisdiction of Pak-Iran border has created fear among smugglers, who are involved in illicit trade of Iranian POL products. Customs authorities have expanded the scope of the operation based on credible information and strict supervision of the selected areas near Pak-Iran border.