ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has seized narcotics worth approximately Rs5.41 billion during an intelligence-based operation near the M-2 motorway, officials said.
The Customs Enforcement Collectorate Islamabad said its Anti-Smuggling Squad conducted the operation at around 2:30am on October 2 following information about the transportation of a large consignment of narcotics.
During the operation, officials recovered 1,200kg of charas, around 100kg of poppy seeds and a firearm. A non-customs-paid Toyota Prado, model 2005, allegedly used to transport the contraband was also seized.
According to Customs, the narcotics were valued at approximately Rs5.40 billion, while the total value of the seized narcotics, vehicle and other items was assessed at around Rs5.41 billion.
The suspects reportedly fled the scene after detecting the presence of the Customs team, using the darkness to escape. The vehicle and recovered items were subsequently taken into Customs custody.
An FIR has been registered against unidentified suspects under relevant provisions of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, and the Customs Act, 1969.
The Customs Enforcement Collectorate has launched a further investigation to identify and arrest those involved and determine the wider network behind the transportation of the narcotics consignment.