By The South Asia Times 

ISLAMABAD - Pakistani forces launched anti-smuggling operations in southwestern Balochistan province to dismantle the networks operating in the border regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.

During the last one month, FC Balochistan has successfully carried out several operations along with other government agencies in different areas including Dera Murad Jamali, Barkhan, Pishin, Chaman, Nushki, Zhob, and Panjpai.

During these operations, forces seized 60 metric tons of sugar, 5,320 liters of Iranian diesel, 772 tires of petrol, 29 metric tons of milk powder and 6 metric tons of betel nuts.

Other seized items, including non-customs paid vehicles, cigarettes, and China salt, were handed over to customs authorities.

Smugglers in these areas were using trucks, passenger buses, and secret routes to transport these items, but timely action by FC Balochistan (North) thwarted their attempts, said a local official. 

Security forces and customs officials also conducted a joint operation near Dalbandin city in Balochistan, recovering prohibited items.

Acting on intelligence from agencies, security forces and customs officials intercepted a vehicle and seized 51 bags of smuggled goods.

The seized items were valued at approximately Rs. 11 million in the market.

The recovered items have been handed over to customs authorities.

Earlier this year, the government had decided to launch crackdown against the smugglers’ who are causing billions of rupees damages to the country's economy every year by smuggling edible items to Afghanistan and bringing Iranian oil through illegal routes to Pakistan.

Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir has played a key role in helping government agencies to eliminate smuggling and shut down routes using for illegal business.