KARACHI, Feb 8: After an overall containment of diesel fuel smuggling into the country via Balochistan's land routes from Iran, the smugglers are now using sea routes, said a senior customs officer.

“Anti-smuggling staff of the customs seized a boat with 60,645 litres of diesel from Bhit Island on the outskirts of Karachi coast on Monday,” Deputy Collector of Customs Mushtaq Ali Shahani told a press conference on Tuesday.

He said that during the past three months hectic efforts had been made by the customs to check smuggling of fuel into the country via land and sea routes from Iran.He said that a wooden fishing boat namely Al-Ajwa loaded with 60,645 litres of diesel was seized in Bhit Island anchorage and nine members of the crew were taken into custody. An FIR was registered against the suspects and further investigations were under way, he added.—APP