Pakistan Customs foils two smuggling bids, seizes goods worth Rs158m

July 28, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan Customs has thwarted two separate smuggling attempts at Silk Route Dry Port, Sost, in Gilgit-Baltistan, seizing 317 concealed mobile phones valued at around Rs77mn and recovering approximately 3,540 bottles of foreign-origin liquor worth an estimated Rs81mn.

The intelligence-based operations were carried out between 24 and 27 July 2026, said a press release issued.

In the first operation on 24 July, Customs officials intercepted a China-bound prime mover bearing registration No. TMS-416 on credible intelligence, uncovering specially fabricated concealed compartments in the vehicle's doors, dashboard and other sections.

The hidden compartments yielded 317 old and used refurbished smartphones of assorted models.

An FIR (No. 01/2026) was registered on 27 July, with investigations underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling network and its facilitators.

In a separate operation on 27 July, Customs officers examined a pending container at Sost Dry Port following a specific tip-off, recovering around 200 cartons containing 3,540 bottles of foreign-origin liquor along with 42 cartons of pork meat and other Chinese food items.

The edible goods were found to have been imported in violation of SRO 237(I)/2019.

The recovered items have been taken into official custody, with detailed inventory, valuation and legal proceedings being completed in accordance with the law.

Pakistan Customs said the operations reflect its continued commitment to combating organized smuggling, protecting legitimate trade and safeguarding government revenue, while the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed all field formations to maintain heightened vigilance, strengthen risk profiling of cross-border cargo and ensure rigorous scrutiny of consignments under the applicable legal framework.

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