Maritime Security Agency apprehends smuggling boats

KARACHI: The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) has apprehended three boats namely Al-Hakeemi, Al-Haleemi and Al-Mubashar along with 33 crew members involved in smuggling of Iranian fuel.

A PMSA ship, while carrying out routine patrolling in western maritime region, apprehended three Pakistani boats involved in smuggling of Iranian fuel approx 80,000 liters diesel, said a press release issued by PMSA here on Sunday.

It said that the boats along with 33 crew members were apprehended and handed over to Custom Authorities at Gwadar for further action.

It may be noted that smuggling of Iranian fuel and consumer goods is rampant in the western coastal towns of the country due to poor communication infrastructure linking these areas to Karachi and other major cities of the country.

The PMSA is continuing with its efforts to stop this illicit activity through which Iranian goods are smuggled into Pakistan through the maritime route. (APP)