Karachi: In a major crackdown on drug smuggling, the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement intercepted a massive consignment of Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets concealed in a container at the Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Karachi. The seized drugs, valued at approximately Rs. 2.8 billion, were hidden behind cartons of biscuits in an attempt to evade detection.
The operation was launched on the night of March 14-15, 2025, after Customs officials received credible intelligence about an attempt to smuggle drugs through container No. TLLU-2486536. The container, declared to contain “towels” by the consignor, M/s. Ahmad Trading, and the clearing agent, M/s. Speed Line (Private) Limited, was initially cleared through the Green Channel due to false declarations. However, upon physical examination, officials discovered:
– 112 cartons of Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets (70 cartons of 225 mg and 42 cartons of 250 mg), totaling 5.6 million pills.
– 420 boxes of assorted biscuit brands (“Café” and “A-1 Special”), used as a front to conceal the drugs.
– One unit container (TLLU-2486536), valued at Rs. 600,000.
The total value of the seized goods amounts to Rs. 2.8 billion, making it one of the largest drug busts in recent years.
Investigations revealed that the accused exploited the Green Channel facility by misdeclaring the contents of the shipment. The consignor, Muhammad Usman (owner of M/s. Ahmad Trading), along with Jawed Rasool and Wali Khan (directors of M/s. Speed Line Pvt. Ltd.), absconded after the discovery. Notices were issued under the Customs Act, 1969, but the accused failed to respond or provide legal documentation.
The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Customs Act, 1969, and the Import & Export Control Act, 1950. Authorities have seized the goods and launched a manhunt for the absconding suspects. The investigation is ongoing, with officials probing potential links to international drug trafficking networks.
Imran Maqsood, Preventive Officer and complainant in the case, stated, “This seizure underscores our commitment to combating drug smuggling. We are working closely with other agencies to dismantle such syndicates.”