Model Collectorate of Customs (MCC) Preventive, Karachi, claimed to have foiled an attempt to smuggle foreign origin liquor and seized 8400 bottles worth Rs 34 million. Speaking at a press conference at West Wharf here on Tuesday, Collector Tariq Huda said that credible information was received by the Drug Enforcement Cell Headquarters of MCC Preventive that an attempt would be made to smuggle huge quantity of foreign origin liquor from the western coast of Karachi through the Arabian Sea.
Accordingly, strict vigil and patrolling was maintained by the Drug Enforcement Cell Headquarters on the coastal belt, especially in the area of Mubarak village up to Hawksbay road in the district West of Karachi. On 15th January, 2016 while extensive patrolling was being maintained in the area as mentioned above, two loading trucks were seen speedily coming from the Mubarak village area and heading towards the city being escorted by four motorcyclists.
These trucks were cautioned to stop but instead they accelerated their speed and also tried to hit the Customs vehicle. During this hot pursuit both the trucks reached the area of Laal Bhakkar from where one of the roads is going towards RCD Highway. Several warning shots in the air were fired which ultimately made the trucks to stop, however, the drivers managed to flee away on escorting motorcycles taking advantage of pitch darkness, bushy and sandy area.
Both the trucks were taken over by the drivers of Customs team who drove them to the Office of the Drug Enforcement Cell Headquarters at NMB Wharf. Both the trucks were found laden with gunny bags using cover load of cardboard carton bundles. All the gunny bags were off loaded which upon counting were found to be 355 in number. Thereafter, all the gunny bags were cut open and detailed examination was carried out which resulted in the recovery of 8,413 bottles of foreign origin liquor. This is yet another successful attempt by the staff of MCC Preventive, which prevented smuggling of such a huge quantity of foreign origin liquor having street value of Rs 34 million.