The Collectorate of Customs (CoC) Enforcement, Karachi, has seized a major consignment of smuggled mobile phones concealed inside specially designed cavities of a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (Model 2014), intercepted near the Karachi–Hyderabad Toll Plaza.
The vehicle (Registration No. BF-7199) was stopped based on credible information regarding smuggling. The occupants failed to produce lawful import documents, and the chassis number appeared tampered. Upon opening the bonnet, irregularities were observed in the structure around the front bumper and side fender areas. The welded surfaces looked unusual, and closer inspection revealed concealed packets suspected to contain mobile phones.
A detailed examination at Custom House, Karachi, confirmed the presence of five (05) concealed cavities in the vehicle. From these, 564 assorted branded mobile phones (including Google Pixel, Motorola, etc.), valued at approximately Rs. 64 million, were recovered. A forensic report further established that the Prado itself was tampered, non-duty-paid/smuggled, and valued at around Rs. 32 million.
The total value of the seizure amounts to approximately Rs. 96 million.
The vehicle and mobile phones have been confiscated under the Customs Act, 1969, for violations of relevant customs and import provisions. An FIR has been lodged, and investigation is currently underway.