Smuggling network using private security company vehicles exposed

KARACHI: Keamari Police have reportedly uncovered a major cigarette smuggling network operating through vehicles of a private security company during a raid carried out on a tip-off.

According to police sources, a vehicle belonging to Mustang Security Company was intercepted and found carrying a large quantity of foreign smuggled cigarettes along with more than Rs148 million in cash.

Sources said Mustang Security Company was officially responsible for cash transportation between Balochistan and Sindh, however, the same vehicles were allegedly being used to smuggle foreign cigarettes into Karachi. Police officials stated that law enforcement agencies had been receiving reports for quite some time regarding the use of private security company vehicles in cigarette smuggling operations across the country.

According to police sources, the seized cigarettes belong to the “Milano” brand, manufactured by Dubai based Gulbahar Tobacco Company. Sources further added that Gulbahar Tobacco Company is owned by a well-known businesa family from Afghanistan.

Police said the smuggled consignment was being transported from Hub, Balochistan, to Karachi. During the operation, the driver, supervisor, and two security guards of Mustang Security Company were arrested. A case has been registered and further legal proceedings are underway.

Sources added that the license of Mustang Security Company could also face cancellation over its alleged involvement in smuggling activities.