Customs foils Rs50m smuggling bid at Sukkur Barrage

October 21, 2026 (MLN): The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Indus has foiled a major smuggling attempt at Sukkur Barrage, seizing foreign-origin liquor, cigarettes and other contraband worth about Rs50.2mn, including the vehicle used to carry the goods.

Acting on directions from the Chief Collector (Enforcement) and the Collector of the newly established Collectorate, which has stepped up vigilance at potential choke points to curb smuggling, staff of DES Sukkur Barrage on Oct 19, 2026 intercepted a Foton Aumark M290-T refrigerated truck travelling from Karachi to Islamabad.

The contraband was found hidden in the vehicle under the cover of food items, and the driver and his helper (cleaner) were arrested on the spot, said a press release issued.

The haul included 587 bottles (700ml) of Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky packed in 49 cartons, 408 bottles (475ml) of Chinese-origin Fen Jiu liquor in 34 cartons, and 1,500 packs of Chinese-origin Double Happiness cigarettes in 150 outers, besides miscellaneous items listed in the inventory.

The goods carry an estimated market value of Rs35.2mn, rising to about Rs50.2mn with the refrigerated truck. The valuations are approximate and subject to final assessment.

The Collectorate reaffirmed its resolve to intensify anti-smuggling operations, curb the illicit movement of contraband and protect Pakistan’s economy from the harmful effects of smuggling.

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