Customs foils Rs446m Methadone smuggling attempt at Taftan Border

October 29, 2025 (MLN): In a major anti-smuggling operation, the Customs Appraisement Collectorate, Taftan has seized over 11.16 million Methadone Hydrochloride tablets of Iranian origin, valued at Rs446 million, during a surprise inspection at the Taftan Border Terminal.

According to the Office of the Chief Collector of Customs (Appraisement), Balochistan, customs officials intercepted a container after noticing suspicious activity and discovered 620 cartons filled with the high-risk controlled substance, classified as a Schedule II drug under Pakistan’s narcotics regulations.

One suspect, Sikandar Hayat, was arrested on the spot while attempting to transfer the consignment into a private vehicle.

He revealed that the drugs belonged to Haji Amanullah, a Taftan-based importer already facing charges of mis-declaration and customs fraud. Another accomplice, Asim, fled the scene and is currently being pursued.

Methadone imports in Pakistan are strictly regulated and require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Narcotics Control, issued upon the recommendation of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

An FIR has been registered under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, and further investigations are underway to arrest the remaining culprits and uncover any broader network behind the smuggling attempt.

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