Karachi: Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Karachi, has successfully intercepted an audacious attempt to smuggle 5.6 million Tramadol tablets. Tramadol, a psychotropic drug regulated under the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), is classified as a controlled substance in numerous countries due to its potential for misuse.
The contraband was ingeniously concealed within an export consignment falsely declared as “towels.” The shipment was destined for Freetown, Sierra Leone, in Africa. The Goods Declaration (GD) for the consignment had been filed with the Exports Collectorate, Karachi, by M/s Ahmad Trading. Initially, the shipment had been cleared through the Risk Management System (RMS) under the Green Channel from the National Logistics Cell (NLC).
The operation was initiated under the directives of Collector Moinuddin Wani, who instructed Additional Collector Basit Hussain to employ credible risk profiling techniques. The flagged consignment was subsequently held for further scrutiny upon its arrival at the Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), where it was scheduled for loading onto a vessel.
A meticulous examination process followed. Under the supervision of Deputy Collector Rabeel Khokhar, the container underwent scanning and a comprehensive 100% physical inspection. This thorough investigation, led by Superintendent Habib Meo, uncovered the concealed Tramadol tablets, amounting to a staggering 5.6 million units. Alongside the tablets, biscuits were also found in the container, but no declared goods were present.
The estimated market value of the seized contraband is a staggering Rs. 2.8 billion, marking this as one of the most significant pharmaceutical interceptions by the Collectorate in recent history. The successful operation underscores the vigilance and dedication of the Karachi Customs team in combating illicit drug trafficking.
Authorities have launched further investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for this smuggling attempt. The seizure serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by drug trafficking and the critical role of customs enforcement in safeguarding public health and safety.