KARACHI: In a decisive overnight operation, the Marine Unit of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi, successfully intercepted two wooden launches attempting to smuggle Iranian-origin High-Speed Diesel (HSD) through Sonmiani Bay, Balochistan. The operation, conducted between the night of September 26 and 27, was initiated following actionable intelligence provided by Mr. Moin-Ud-Din Ahmad Wani, Collector of Customs Enforcement, Karachi.
According to official sources, the two vessels—identified as Al-Haji Baba Darya Khan (Registration No. BFD-15612) and Al-Musaib (Registration No. BFD-13715)—were found carrying a combined total of 29,272 litres of illicit diesel. The breakdown of the seizure is as follows:
Al-Haji Baba Darya Khan: 17,162 litres of HSD
Al-Musaib: 12,110 litres of HSD
The estimated market value of the seized diesel stands at Rs. 7.66 million, while the wooden launches themselves are valued at approximately Rs. 25 million. The total worth of the confiscated assets amounts to Rs. 32.66 million.
Customs officials emphasized that the operation reflects Pakistan Customs’ unwavering commitment to curbing maritime smuggling and safeguarding national economic interests. “This successful interdiction is a testament to the vigilance and operational readiness of our marine enforcement teams,” said a spokesperson for the Collectorate.
Sonmiani Bay, located along the Makran coast, has long been a strategic point for illicit fuel trafficking due to its proximity to international waters and porous coastal terrain. The latest crackdown is part of a broader initiative by Pakistan Customs to intensify surveillance and enforcement across high-risk maritime corridors.
The seized vessels and contraband have been taken into custody for further investigation, and legal proceedings are underway to prosecute those involved under the Customs Act.
This operation marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat organized smuggling networks and reinforces the role of Customs Enforcement in maintaining maritime security.