Customs seize 35kg hashish worth over Rs660 million at Islamabad airport
Pakistan Customs officials have foiled an alleged drug smuggling attempt at Islamabad International Airport after recovering 35kg of suspected hashish from a passenger’s luggage. The seizure was made during a search conducted on the basis of reliable intelligence, according to customs officials.
Officials said the passenger was travelling on flight TG-349 when customs personnel searched the luggage and discovered the suspected hashish. The recovery has prompted a further investigation as authorities seek to determine the source of the drugs and their intended destination.
Hashish worth more than Rs660 million seized
According to customs officials, the estimated value of the seized drugs is more than Rs660 million. The large quantity of suspected hashish was immediately taken into customs custody after being recovered from the passenger’s luggage.
The seizure highlights efforts by customs authorities to prevent prohibited substances from being transported through Pakistan’s airports. Officials are now examining the circumstances surrounding the shipment and investigating whether other people may have been involved in the alleged smuggling attempt.
FIR registered against passenger
Pakistan Customs has registered a first information report (FIR) against the passenger under the relevant legal provisions. Further investigations are under way to establish the source of the suspected hashish and identify its intended destination.
Investigators are also examining details related to the passenger and the luggage to determine whether the individual was acting alone or as part of a wider network. The investigation could provide further information about how the drugs were obtained and how they were allegedly planned to be transported.
Customs step up action against drug trafficking
Customs authorities regularly monitor passengers and luggage at airports to prevent the movement of prohibited items and substances. The latest seizure highlights the role of intelligence-based operations in detecting suspected smuggling attempts before illegal consignments can leave the airport.
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Officials said operations against cross-border smuggling and illegal drug trafficking will continue. Authorities are also expected to maintain checks and surveillance at entry and exit points to prevent criminal networks from using Pakistan’s transportation routes for illegal activities.
Investigation continues into drug shipment
The investigation will focus on establishing the complete chain behind the seized drugs. Officials will seek to determine the source of the suspected hashish, its intended destination, and whether the passenger was acting alone or as part of a wider network.
The outcome of the investigation could also help authorities identify other individuals linked to the suspected smuggling attempt. Further legal action will be taken according to the findings of the investigation and applicable laws.
Airport security remains a key focus
International airports are important points for customs and law-enforcement agencies because smugglers may attempt to use passenger travel and luggage to move prohibited substances across borders.
Intelligence sharing, passenger screening and luggage checks can help authorities detect suspicious consignments.
The recovery of 35kg of suspected hashish at Islamabad International Airport demonstrates the importance of such checks in preventing large quantities of illegal drugs from being transported.
What happens next?
Pakistan Customs will continue its investigation after registering the FIR against the passenger.
Authorities will work to establish the source and destination of the suspected hashish and determine whether the case is connected to a larger smuggling network. Officials have also reiterated that action against cross-border smuggling and illegal drug trafficking will continue.
