Yet another gold haul within a fortnight of the biggest ever c^tch of the precious metal at the Zia International Airport comes as a surprise. We do not know how to greet the successive customs successes. Do they indicate that the customs officials' efficiency at the ZIA has gone up suddenly? Or. as many like to believe, the success rate is still low: only the gold smugglers are trying to bring more supplies in and thereby facing a greater exposure.

Whatever it is, there is perhaps little doubt that our airport is either used as a transit point or the smuggled gold is fulfilling a demand within this county, b^jeither case, the smuggling cannot continue Mfmout involvement — both direct and indirect -^of our nationals. In almost all previous cases of big hauls accusing fingers were pointed at some business magnates and in one particular case even to an erstwhile highest executive of the state.

It is for the first time that three big wigs of the business world have been arrested in connection with the seizure of gold on September 21 last. We are anxious to know what the verdict on the arrested three will be. A lot depends on this, because gold smuggling's domestic link has to be identified first. That there was no serious effort to nab the culprits of native origin is clear. Now we want to see a change In the situation.

We should look beyond the national boundary for help to deal with outside threats, if necessary. After all, the truth that an international network of ruthless efficiency and huge economic power is in operation has to be admitted and to match it cooperation between governments — both at the supply and’ receiving points — is a must. Also help from international bodies like the Interpol may be sought.