KARACHI, Feb 10: A campaign launched by the Excise & Taxation department against the sale and distribution of narcotics and banned substances has resulted in the seizure

of 42kg of heroin (worth Rs2.4 million), 1,711kg of hashish, 530kg of opium, 3,449kg of bhang, 17 cartons of wine, 120 bottles of foreign liquor and other drugs. The seizures were made between July and December, 2008.

The massive seizures were announced by Provincial Minister for Excise & Taxation Mukesh Kumar Chawala while presiding over a meeting at his office on Tuesday.

He said that 25 vehicles and a huge quantity of arms had also been seized, while 133 cases registered against 138 people accused of being involved in the drug business.

The minister said that eight trucks, six cars, four bikes, three pickups, one oil tanker, one taxi, a high-roof vehicle and a rickshaw were also impounded. He directed officials to be more efficient in the current year’s drive.

The provincial minister directed regional directors to collect 30 per cent more taxes than the given target in 2008-09, besides focussing on tax arrears collection.

He said taxpayers should also be given facilities.

The excise and taxation department contributed 30 per cent of the Sindh government’s total revenue, the minister said, adding that tax recoveries would help the government to carry out more development projects in the province.

Additional Secretary Excise Manzoor Memon, DG Excise Shoaib Siddiqui, Director Excise Jawed Memon and all regional directors also attended the meeting.—PPI