QUETTA: In a major crackdown on smuggling activities, Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Gadani intercepted a large consignment of smuggled goods, including mobile phones and Boostin Plus injections, with a total market value exceeding PKR 40 million. The seizure was made at the Field Enforcement Unit in Khurkhera following a tip-off and subsequent surveillance operation.
Acting on credible intelligence provided by Collector Mr. Azhar Hussain Merchant, customs officials intensified vigilance at the Khurkhera check post. On the morning of May 9, 2025, a Hino Mazda truck (Registration No. SDA-118) en route from Gwadar to Karachi was intercepted. A thorough search revealed:
– 442 foreign-origin mobile phones, including premium models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Vivo Y17, Oppo F15, Motorola Moto g73 5G, and OnePlus Nord N10 5G.
– 450 cartridges of Boostin Plus injections, concealed in 90 sachets.
– The Hino Mazda truck itself, suspected to be exclusively used for smuggling operations.
The provisional Customs, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the seized goods was estimated at PKR 16.76 million, while their tentative market value soared to PKR 40.23 million. The total duty and taxes evaded amounted to PKR 15.47 million.
The seizure was conducted under Section 168 of the Customs Act, 1969, for violations of:
– Section 2(s) & 16 of the Customs Act (unauthorized imports).
– Section 3(1)(3) of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950.
– Relevant clauses of SRO 566(I)/2005 and SRO 499(I)/2009.
No individuals came forward to claim the goods or provide legal documentation during the detention period, reinforcing suspicions of smuggling. The truck and goods were formally seized, and a public notice under Section 171 of the Customs Act was displayed at the Khurkhera and Gadani Customs offices.
The operation was led by Additional Collector Mr. Najeeb Arjumand, Deputy Collector Mr. Aadarsh Jawaheri, and Superintendent Mr. Abdul Rauf Bhutto, with support from inspectors Tauseef Ahmed, Raza Rehman and Sahir Waleed.
The case has been forwarded for adjudication proceedings, which may lead to further investigations into smuggling networks. Customs authorities reiterated their commitment to curbing illegal trade and safeguarding national revenue.
This seizure underscores the ongoing challenges of cross-border smuggling in Pakistan and the vigilance of enforcement agencies in disrupting such operations.