Customs seizes smuggled cars worth over Rs113,500,000 in Islamabad crackdown

Pakistan Customs has seized non-custom-paid (NCP) vehicles and other smuggled goods worth more than Rs113,500,000 during a series of intelligence-based operations carried out in Islamabad since July 10.

According to the Customs Enforcement Collectorate Islamabad, the raids were conducted under the supervision of senior Customs officials as part of a stronger campaign to stop smuggling and illegal trade across the country.

During the operations, Customs teams confiscated 10 expensive smuggled vehicles. These included a 2018 Toyota Camry, 2002 Volkswagen, 2020 Suzuki Alto, 2004 Toyota Wish, 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser, 1996 Toyota Prado, 2012 Toyota Prius, and 2004 Toyota Passo. Most of the seized vehicles were non-custom-paid (NCP), making them illegal under customs laws.

Officials also recovered a large quantity of smuggled items, including foreign-brand cigarettes, imported tyres, premium-quality fabric and dried figs.

Also Read: Customs foils 12kg Marijuana smuggling bid at Karachi airport

The Collectorate said these operations show Pakistan Customs’ commitment to stopping smuggling and breaking illegal trade networks. It added that intelligence-based raids will continue to protect the national economy and ensure strict implementation of customs laws.

In another recent action, Pakistan Customs stopped an alleged cigarette smuggling attempt at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

According to Customs officials, two Umrah pilgrims travelling to Jeddah on a private airline were stopped after suspicious items were detected during baggage screening.

A detailed search of their luggage led to the recovery of 260 cartons, or 2,600 packs, of cigarettes. The cigarettes were seized under the Customs Act, 1969, while both passengers were taken into custody. Legal proceedings have also been started against them.