DERA GHAZI KHAN: In a dramatic way, alleged smugglers drove away with two vehicles carrying smuggled Iranian oil intercepted by the customs near Triman check post on Tuesday night.

According to official sources, a customs team seized four vehicles carrying smuggled oil. On their way to the customs warehouse in Dera Ghazi Khan, gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on customs vehicles at Dera Yaro Morr.

According to police, accused Dad Shah and accomplices, armed with weapons, seized two vehicles laden with Iranian petrol, diesel and drugs and managed to escape. A case was registered against 10 accused by Sadar police.

The incident shows administration’s failure to curb smuggling via mountainous routes in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. The deteriorating law and order situation in trans-Indus districts poses a significant security challenge to customs, Punjab police and border military police.

In recent weeks, armed bandits attacked a police party near Kala police station, killing police officer Rizwan Mehboob and injuring three constables.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2023