Seized petroleum products worth Rs222m: Senate panel seeks report from customs authorities

A parliamentary panel on Tuesday sought a report from the Customs authorities regarding the whereabouts of petroleum products worth Rs 222 million that were seized over the past five years. The sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control was held here on Tuesday under the convenership of Senator Saifullah Abro. The meeting discussed the alleged theft of 2,828 cartons of cigarettes from FBR godowns located in Swabi and Mardan, and questioned where petroleum products confiscated by the Customs over the last five years had been transported. Senator Saifullah Abro directed the concerned authorities to submit a comprehensive report tracing the movement and final destination of the seized fuel. He remarked that individuals involved in petroleum smuggling often openly make their videos, while the Customs authorities appear to have remained inactive. He further noted that petroleum smuggling continues openly in Balochistan.