Security up as bullet shells found in Afghan shipment

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 16

The vigil at the integrated check post (ICP) has been tightened after empty bullet shells were found in a consignment of herbs brought from Afghanistan through Attari-Wagah border on Sunday.

Worn out, Rusty

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The Kakra Singhi herb is found in Kandhar, hideout of anti-social activists. It’s dug out with lot of waste. These bullet cases, totally worn out and rusty, must have accidentally been carried along. — An official

The Customs and BSF were immediately put on alert, but preliminary inquiry pointed out that it was an accidental development.

Officials said around 15 shells were found in a truck loaded with “Kakra Singhi” herb, which is used in preparation of ayurvedic medicines for cough, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, found in Afghanistan.

During a random check, three empty fire shells were found in the consignment that arrived on February 14. Upon thorough search, 12 more were found.

“The Kakra Singhi herb is found in dense forest area of Kandhar, notorious for hideout of anti-social and terrorist activists. This herb is dug out with lot of waste, including sand and stones. These bullet shells must have accidentally been carried along and were packed in the sack as it is. These were totally worn out and rusty,” said an official.

Nonetheless, citing the seizure of 32-kg gold bars from an apple-laden truck coming from Afghanistan in December 2018, an official said this incident has put the security agencies on toes.

The automated full body truck scanner worth Rs 23 crore has been hanging in balance since March 2017 when it was announced by then Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiran Rijiju. The rummaging of goods’ truck is done manually by the Customs with the help of sniffer dog squad.

The trading with Afghanistan was resumed after Covid-19 relaxations.