KARACHI: The supply of illegal and smuggled betelnuts (challia) is on the rise in Karachi under police patronage, it has been revealed.
Investigations revealed that the Station House Officers (SHOs) of six police stations are involved in facilitating the trade. These activities are rife in SITE-B area in north Karachi. Large quantities of smuggled betelnuts are transported from Saeedabad terminal to SITE-B police station in official police vehicles in which the SHO played a key role, it has been revealed.
These betelnuts are being sold by traders Noman Memon, Imran Memon and frontman Irshad who supplies them to different companies. Sources revealed that betelnuts are being supplied to large parts of the city from SITE-B police station.
The betelnuts are brought from Saeedabad terminal concealed in trucks, containers, double-cabin vehicles and even small cars in Baldia Town, Madinah Colony, Shershah, Docks and other areas to the SITE-B police station where they are supplied to different parts of city.
The betelnuts are taken to godown no. 47 near the railway track within the limit of SITE-B police station and supplied from there onwards. Sources revealed that two brother Noman and Imran Memon are involved in this illicit trade.
The main role is play by Irshad who ensures that the illicit trade goes on smoothly and the supply of the betelnuts is ongoing. He is also notorious for acting against anyone creating obstacles in the illegal trade. A few days ago, a driver who had exposed the trade was badly tortured while sources revealed that SITE-B police station in-charge Zawar Hussain was also present there.
Sources also revealed that the betelnuts are supplied on motorcycle squad’s and police mobile vehicles and the items are even escorted by police from the Saeedabad terminal. Police authorities have failed to take any action over his illegal trade.
