Latest News

Indian traders to cease rail route import of Pak cement to curb heroin smuggling

Aug, 07 2012

Indian traders to cease rail route import of Pak cement to curb heroin smuggling.

(India)  --  Cement importers in India want cement from Pakistan to be imported only be road.

The decision was taken by the traders, mainly including cement importers, who met under the banner of the Confederation of International Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CICCI) after a consignment of 3 kg heroin was found in a Pakistani goods train that brought in cement on Friday.

A spokesperson of the CICCI said, "The latest seizure of heroin from the Pak goods train carrying cement has once again rattled the business community and brought [to the] fore the inadequacy of security apparatus at the international entry point."

This was the third such seizure in cement in two months.

The President of the All India Cement Importers' Association, MPS Chatha, said, "Regular seizure of heroin from the cement coming from Pakistan has brought disrepute to the trade.

The traders say that the contraband seizure brings them disrepute.

India imports about 50,000 tonnes of Pak cement every month.

Currently, the Attari road border, too, is used for cement import, but nearly 80% of the cement arrives via train.

On pending railway imports, Chatha said, "There are various traders who have already sent payments to the Pakistan cement companies, so those consignments may come in on train for a few days. But no fresh orders will be placed."

The CICCI spokesperson also pointed out that the government should provide security at all levels so that "the innocent traders run their business in peace for the mutual benefits".

By: Rashmi Kalia (ARI-C NEWS)

Follow @AggResearch