Customs seizes Rs1bn heroin, Rs52m smuggled goods

November 10, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Customs seized 42.891 kg of heroin with an estimated international market value of Rs1.2bn at Ziarat Cross, recovered smuggled goods worth Rs51.6m at DES Kolpur, Quetta, and detected suspected cigarette-filter raw material at Sost Dry Port involving estimated duties and taxes of Rs319m, as enforcement operations intensified nationwide.

The Field Enforcement Unit (FEU), Ziarat Cross, Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Quetta, recovered the heroin from specially constructed concealed compartments in a Toyota Hilux Revo, according to the press release.

The vehicle, valued at around Rs20m, was also seized, taking the total value of the seizure to Rs1.22bn. Both occupants were arrested on the spot and an FIR has been registered. This is the third major narcotics seizure by FEU Ziarat Cross in less than six weeks.

At the Digital Enforcement Station (DES) Kolpur, smuggled foreign-origin goods worth Rs51.6 million (CIF value: Rs36.1m) were seized during checking of a passenger vehicle on the Quetta–Sibi route.

The haul included about 500 kg of Cellulose Acetate Tow valued at Rs50m, 30 Indian-origin Ketamine injections, Chinese salt, poppy seeds, foreign cigarettes, cosmetics, confectionery and other goods.

It was the second major Cellulose Acetate Tow seizure by DES Kolpur in under ten days. An earlier recovery of roughly 730 kg worth Rs73m was made on 31 October 2026, taking the combined value of the two seizures beyond Rs108m. The latest operation was carried out by recently inducted Sub-Inspectors and Sepoys.

Separately, at Silk Route Dry Port, Sost, Customs recovered approximately 23,800 kg of suspected Cellulose Acetate Tow from an undeclared container, along with cosmetics, perfumes, mobile phone batteries and circuit breakers.

The goods carry an estimated market value of Rs75m, while duties and taxes are estimated at Rs319m, largely attributable to the suspected Cellulose Acetate Tow.

The container was examined on 07 November 2026, and samples are being sent for laboratory testing to establish the exact composition and classification of the material. Legal proceedings have been initiated.

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