QUETTA, Oct 18: The Frontier Corps has initiated departmental inquiry against its 45 lower rank officials for having contacts with smugglers and other people involved in illegal activities.

“We have suspended 45 lower rank security men posted at different checkpoints along the Afghan border,” a Pishin Scouts official said.

Sources said that the action was taken on the bases of reports provided by various agencies in Chaman.

“The officials, including soldiers, were found involved in allowing smuggling and helping people run illegal business on both sides of the border,” they said.

They said the finance ministry and other authorities had taken serious notice of massive smuggling despite increased deployment of security forces along the border.

The Frontier Corps authorities have been directed to take strict measures in this regard.

The sources said action against some officers after the inquiry could not be ruled out.