KARACHI, Sept 13: The Customs Preventive seized 6kg of heroin powder from a rice consignment destined for Hong Kong. According to a statement issued by the Customs Preventive, the seizure was made from the two packages of goods declared as rice samples under the name of Century Express Air Freight Co Ltd, Hong Kong.

The cartons contained rice as per declaration, but a thorough examination led to the recovery of three kg of off-white heroin powder packed in polyethylene envelops concealed in the top and sides of the cartons.

Interrogation led to a raid conducted at the premises of AMZ logistics situated at Sharea Faisal during which three kilograms more heroin was recovered and a clearing agent of the firm was arrested.

An FIR has been lodged and efforts were under way to arrest all the suspects involved in the case, the statement added.

17 held: Police arrested 17 accused and recovered seven pistols, a revolver, 150 grams hashish and looted money from their possession during the last 24 hours from different parts of the city, adds PPI.

A person was arrested from Mehmoodabad police limits and 40 grams of hashish was recovered from his possession. Two were held from PS Ferozabad limits and two pistols recovered. Four accused were arrested from Risala police limits and money at stake was seized. Another three were arrested from Eidgah PS limits.

Two accused were also held from Landhi limits and two pistols recovered from their possession. Police arrested one from Qaidabad police limits and recovered a pistol.

Two accused were held from North Nazinmabad PS limits and a pistol and a revolver recovered, while two were held from Pirabad PS limits and 110 gram hashish was recovered from their custody.