The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an inquiry into a major scandal involving the alleged replacement of seized silver during transportation.
According to initial reports, around 400 kilograms of silver were reportedly replaced with lead during its transfer from Quetta to Lahore. The investigation suggests possible collusion between smugglers and customs officials.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also proposed the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the matter further. In a letter, the Secretary of Enforcement at the FBR urged the FIA Director General to include intelligence agencies, police, and customs officials in the JIT due to the organized nature of the alleged crime.
The correspondence states that the FIA should conduct a comprehensive investigation, identify those responsible, and recover the missing valuables. On April 5, a total of 698 kilograms of confiscated silver was transported from Quetta to the Pakistan Mint in Lahore. However, upon arrival, 400 kilograms of silver were found to have been replaced with lead bars.
Officials confirmed that the seized silver had been moved in separate vehicles from the Quetta Customs House to the airport. Preliminary findings indicate that the substitution occurred during transit.
Further questioning of individuals responsible for the transport has reportedly revealed additional details, suggesting involvement of smugglers in cooperation with customs personnel.
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