India asks Pakistan for narcotics smuggling probe details

India has asked Pakistan to share details of its narcotics case investigation involving a Pakistani truck seized by Indian officials in January in Jammu and Kashmir.

External affairs ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said India asked Pakistan to share details of its investigation, "including details of consigner".

He said India felt that Pakistani authorities had not exercised due diligence in carrying out checks on the truck crossing the Line of Control (LoC). "Trucks have to be checked properly," he added.

Pakistan halted trade across the LoC Jan 17 after Customs and police officials in Baramulla recovered 114 packets of brown sugar worth over Rs.100 crore in international market from a Pakistani truck.

The truck driver was arrested and his vehicle seized. The official said Pakistan raised the issue of arrest of the driver of the seized truck.

Trade between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad resumed Feb 26.

Akbaruddin said here Friday that India called for steps to improve travel and connectivity at the meeting of India-Pakistan Joint Working Group (JWG) on cross-LoC confidence building measures held here March 4.

Akbaruddin said the two sides also discussed the need for strengthening standard operating procedures concerning the LoC trade.

"There is nothing in the standard operating procedure for release of driver if involved in criminal activities," the spokesperson said. He added law would take its course in the matter.

"We are willing to cooperate so that such incidents do not happen. We are of the view that cross-LoC trade should not be held hostage to such incidents," he said.

He said India repeated its idea on starting Kargil-Skardu bus service.

The official also said India suggested having a multiple entry booklet to facilitate trade across the LoC.