In adherence to directives from Chief Collector of Customs Enforcement (Islamabad), Mr. Basit Maqsood Abbasi, and under the leadership of Collector of Customs Enforcement (Multan), Mr. Muhammad Farukh Sharif, the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) conducted a series of intelligence-based operations throughout January.
High-profile officers, including Collector Farukh Sharif, Additional Collector Syed Itrat Hussain, Deputy Collector Jawad ul Hasan, and Maqbool Baloch, were appointed to these efforts. The operations targeted clandestine storage facilities and intercepted vehicles carrying substantial quantities of smuggled goods into Multan.
As a result, the ASO successfully seized a diverse range of smuggled items. The haul included 14 vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Aqua, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, Daihatsu Mira, Suzuki Alto) valued at approximately Rs. 40 million; 1283 cartons of assorted smuggled cigarettes worth Rs. 632 million; 693 radial HTV and LTV tyres valued at Rs. 21 million; 14 tons of assorted auto parts worth Rs. 39 million; 12,282 kilograms of skimmed milk powder, permeate powder, and other food items valued at Rs. 15 million; 33,239 kilograms of smuggled betel nuts worth Rs. 32.5 million; 198,660 liters of high-speed diesel and other petroleum products valued at Rs. 43 million; solar inverters, mobile phones, and other electronic goods valued at Rs. 13 million; various cosmetic items, tea, and toys worth Rs. 49.5 million; 11,200 packets of Gutka/Naswar worth Rs. 4 million; 23,530 sildenafil tablets worth Rs. 28 million; and carrier vehicles worth Rs. 49 million.
The cumulative value of the seized items stands at an estimated Rs. 966 million, representing a 519% increase compared to January 2024. Additionally, three FIRs were lodged against individuals involved in smuggling activities, and further investigations are underway.
The Collector of Customs Enforcement, Multan, commended the ASO teams for their unwavering dedication and efforts in combating illegal activities. Furthermore, under the directions of Chief Collector Customs Enforcement Mr. Basit Abbasi and supervision of Collector Customs Mr. Farukh Sharif and Additional Collector Itrat Hussain, an operation was conducted in the Ghala Mandi/Mushahid Centre area of Multan on January 18, 2025.
During this operation, 15 Mazda trucks/Shahzores filled with foreign-origin cigarettes, Shesha flavor, and tobacco products with a CIF value of Rs. 546 million and duty taxes amounting to Rs. 371 million were seized. Multan Police and sister intelligence agencies actively assisted in this operation.
Reports indicate that 78 individuals, including customs officers and officials, are involved in smuggling. Chief Collector Enforcement Basit Abbasi has marked the inquiry to Collector Nayyar Shafique. Among the identified individuals are smugglers, Customs employees, and senior officers.
Solvent and white spirit smuggling remains a significant issue, often mixed with fuel at petrol pumps, alongside smuggled Iranian diesel. Customs will submit their report to the Chairman of the FBR on February 28, detailing the individuals identified by the sensitive agency.
This operation is part of a broader anti-smuggling and anti-corruption campaign under the guidance of Army Chief General Asim Munir, with MI playing a leading role. Senior customs officers noted that taking a stand against wrongdoing is now more feasible due to the supervision of army high-ups, reducing pressure on Customs officers to release smuggled goods.