Shopkeepers were asked to bring valid receipts to collect confiscated goods or pay customs duty
Chaos erupted near Karachi’s Maymar Plaza on Monday as shopkeepers retaliated against a raid by customs officials. At least two people were injured.
A team of customs personnel, supported by Sindh Police and Rangers, conducted a raid at the textile market at Tariq Road in search of contraband. Angered by the unannounced search, shopkeepers pelted stones at the raid party and some even reportedly opened fire.
Law enforcement personnel opened retaliatory fire to disperse the crowd.
Read: Customs to coordinate raids with traders to rebuild trust
Two persons, injured in the crossfire, were shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center where they were identified as 21-year-old Share Masih and 36-year-old Sameer.
The enraged shopkeepers burnt tires on the road near Liberty Chowk on Tariq Road and even set fire to a Shahzor truck.
According to the police, customs officials found smuggled cloth worth millions. The customs department told shopkeepers that if they have valid customs receipts for the seized material, they can visit the customs office and claim seized goods back. Otherwise, they must pay the necessary customs duty.
