KARACHI: In a significant breakthrough on March 1, 2025, the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement in Karachi successfully intercepted a major smuggling attempt involving American almonds concealed as brown-eyed beans within Green Channel shipments. The crackdown was initiated following credible intelligence regarding the smuggling activities, leading to the identification and scrutiny of two import consignments flagged as suspicious.
Acting swiftly on the received intelligence, Customs officials conducted a raid at Rehman Godown, located within the Falcon Logistic Complex on Hub River Road in Karachi. Container No. CSLU2394740 and an accompanying vehicle (TKL-072), linked to GD No. KAPW-HC-142259-28-02-2025, were intercepted. Initial inspection revealed the outer layers of the container to be filled with brown-eyed beans, but a thorough examination exposed substantial quantities of American almonds (without shells) hidden behind.
Further scrutiny at the godown unearthed additional quantities of American almonds, assorted vegetable seeds, and more brown-eyed beans from various containers linked to the flagged consignments, corroborating the intelligence received.
A similar operation was conducted at Haroonabad Godown in the SITE Area, where two containers—TLLU3091274 on vehicle TKZ-090 and TIIU2373517 on vehicle TAD-487—were intercepted under GD No. KAPW-HC-142275-28-02-2025. The initial inspection revealed the same concealment technique: the first few layers were brown-eyed beans, with American almonds hidden behind.
Further inspection of the SITE Area godown uncovered additional quantities of American almonds, American-brand sling film, and brown-eyed beans, all linked to the suspicious consignments.
A review of the WeBOC system highlighted that GD No. KAPW-HC-142259-28-02-2025 had been fully cleared, while GD No. KAPW-HC-142275-28-02-2025 still had two containers—OOLU0993390 and TRHU3978723—awaiting clearance at KICT Terminal. These containers were promptly put on hold and secured by the ASO staff for detailed scrutiny. Examination revealed the same smuggling pattern, with American almonds concealed behind layers of brown-eyed beans.
Total Seizure and Market Value
The enforcement efforts led to the seizure of:
– Approximately 155 tons of American almonds
– Approximately 50 tons of brown-eyed beans
– Approximately 15 tons of assorted vegetable seeds
– 200 boxes of US-made Film Tec Membranes for water treatment
The seized goods are estimated to have a market value of approximately Rs 300 million.
Further investigations revealed that 84 additional containers had been cleared in February 2025 under the same importer and with a similar pattern of misdeclaration. This indicates a systematic smuggling operation involving undeclared high-value goods.
An FIR is being lodged, and efforts are underway to apprehend those involved in the smuggling operation. The operation highlighted significant challenges, including the need for a forensic audit to uncover mega frauds. The Green Channel system has been identified as a major loophole, causing substantial losses to the exchequer. Under the directives of COAS General Asim Munir, stricter measures are being implemented to control smuggling.
It is worth noting that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) missed its revenue collection target by Rs 606 billion, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and collaboration across customs operations.
Two teams are currently operating within Pakistan Customs: the Chairman FBR team, managing the Faceless system, and a team led by Yaqoob Mako, an enforcement professional with limited appraisement experience but notable efficiency in detecting cases. However, a lack of cooperation between the teams has hindered significant action.
The battle against smuggling is ongoing, and the Customs Enforcement department remains committed to curbing such illegal activities and protecting the country’s economic interests.