KARACHI: Collectorate of Customs Preventive Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) recovered huge quantity of smuggled betel nut along with other goods in North Karachi.
Sources told that Collector Saquif Saeed received credible information about illegal manufacturing of betel nuts. He immediately directed Additional Collector Haroon Malik to take necessary measures in this regard. Customs anti-smuggling squad headed by Superintendent Iftikhar Hasan raided a premises in North Karachi which was being used as warehouse and manufacturing unit.
The raid led to recovery of crushed betel nut, packing and processing machines.
Meanwhile, one Muhammad Saleem appeared and claimed the ownership of the goods and premises. However, he failed to provide any documents proving the lawful possession of the goods.
Sources told that market value of crushed betel nut weighing 15 tons valuing Rs15 million and machinery worth Rs5 million has been seized. Muhammad Saleem is arrested. An FIR is lodged and investigations are still underway.