The son of a high-ranking politician in the federal government is allegedly involved in the economic ‘murder’ of legal betel nut (chaliyah) importers, leading to a single individual gaining complete control over the entire industry. Containers of betel nut belonging to genuine importers are reportedly being declared “unfit” to forcefully remove them from the markets.
Reliable information received by Tijarat News indicates that a person named Samad, in collusion with Tahir Fumigation Company owners Jan Muhammad Zehri and Danish Zehri, is allegedly harassing importers whose betel nut consignments do not receive laboratory clearance. They are reportedly forcing these importers to sell the betel nut at their original import cost.
Furthermore, Samad and another individual named Yasin are allegedly openly telling importers in the markets that they have “bought” the PCSIR Lab Lahore for a substantial sum for a period of three months. This is cited as the reason why, over the past few months, clearance is only being granted to the goods of companies named Shalimar, Silver, Sarah, BDM, Line, and UK, and that currently, only these companies are permitted to import betel nut.
Meanwhile, samples from 15 to 20 other importers are reportedly being cancelled without any justification.
Sources claim that Samad and Yasin are threatening other importers in the markets, telling them to sell their imported goods to them at a predetermined price. They allegedly boast that their will determines whether an importer’s consignment clears the laboratory, otherwise “no one’s father can get it cleared.” They are also reportedly heard saying that they spend millions [of rupees] upfront, which is why they are the sole players in the market and no one else can import betel nut.
According to Tijarat News sources, very prominent names are emerging in this entire murky business. Tijarat News is ready to provide all details, along with evidence, if contacted by sensitive institutions.
It is worth noting that Tijarat News receives complete daily updates and information regarding betel nut imports, and is in continuous contact with the 15 to 20 importers who have allegedly suffered losses amounting to not just millions, but billions of rupees due to this mafia.
Reliable sources state that Samad and Yasin have the full patronage of Dr. Syed Hasan Abidi, the Director of PCSIR Laboratory Lahore. A son of a very high-ranking government personality is also allegedly involved, along with a minority-seat public representative elected from Karachi who is said to be fronting millions [of rupees].
It is further alleged that an officer currently serving as an Additional Commissioner in the FBR, whose name has previously surfaced in a Customs mega-corruption scandal, is also directly involved in this entire racket.
