ISLAMABAD: Customs Enforcement Quetta, in two major separate anti-smuggling operations, has successfully seized and recovered 22.14 Kg narcotics, consignments of smuggled goods comprising cigarettes, betel nuts, Indian medicines, Chinese salt, auto parts, a ROCO vehicle and three (03) Hino trucks, with an estimated total value of Rs 1.38 billion. Acting upon credible intelligence received by the Collector of Customs Enforcement, Quetta, officials of the Collectorate intercepted three containers during routine checking at FEU Zariat Cross (ZC) while they were being transported from Quetta to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The vehicles intercepted included three Hino trucks number TME-649, TLE-743 and MLM-6186. Detailed examination led to the recovery of the aforementioned smuggled goods concealed in the containers. In another operation, the staff of the Collectorate of Enforcement Customs, Quetta carried out interception of a ROCO vehicle bearing Registration No. SB-7548 (Sindh) at FEU Zariat Cross with the assistance of Zariat Cross Police. The vehicle, along with its driver, were brought inside the post for checking and interrogation. During interrogation, it was disclosed that drugs were concealed inside the spare wheel at the bottom side of the vehicle. Upon thorough checking, suspected narcotics believed to be Heroin was recovered which was packed in 41 packets, each weighing 0.54 kilograms, making a total gross weight of 22.14 kilograms with an estimated value of Rs.1.23 Billion in international market. These operations are part of the Collectorate’s intensified enforcement drive aimed at curbing smuggling and dismantling illegal trade networks. All the seized narcotics, goods and vehicles have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings under the Customs Act, 1969 have been formally initiated. The Federal Board of Revenue has commended the Customs Enforcement Quetta team for their effective action and reiterated its firm resolve to combat smuggling, illicit trade and illegal economic activities across the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025