ISLAMABAD: In a shocking case of theft and corruption, 400 kilograms of silver seized by customs officials in Quetta was swapped with lead bars before reaching the Pakistan Mint in Lahore.
The silver, part of a larger 698 kg consignment, was being transported from the Custom House in Quetta to Quetta International Airport on April 5, 2026. From there, it was to be flown to the Pakistan Mint for testing and processing.
But when the consignment arrived at the mint, officials discovered that a major chunk — 400 kg — was not silver at all. It was lead.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Quetta, the silver was moved in two separate vehicles — one carrying 400 kg and the other 298 kg.
During the short trip to the airport, the 400 kg portion was replaced with lead bars. Criminal proceedings have been launched, and several customs officials responsible for the safe transport have been arrested.
Further interrogation of the arrested officials revealed that a group of smugglers carried out the swap with the active help of customs officers.
Given the organized nature of the crime and the suspected corruption, authorities have proposed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) take over the case. They have also suggested forming a joint investigation team that includes intelligence agencies, police, and customs to ensure a speedy and thorough probe.
The Chief Collector of Customs Enforcement in Islamabad will serve as the main point of contact for the investigation.
So far, none of the stolen silver has been recovered.