Pakistan forces seize millions in drugs, smuggled goods across sea and land

ISLAMABAD: A series of coordinated anti-smuggling operations by Pakistan’s naval and customs authorities has disrupted illicit trafficking across maritime and land routes, seizing hashish, smuggled mobile phones, vehicles, and other contraband worth millions of dollars, according to official statements.

“This successful interdiction at sea underscores Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit activities and ensuring security in the maritime domain,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Sunday.

The Pakistan Navy reported that its ship YAMAMA, deployed on a Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP) in the Arabian Sea, intercepted and seized 1,500 kilograms of hashish valued at approximately $3 million.

According to ISPR, the operation highlights the Navy’s role in collaborative maritime security efforts with regional and international partners.

Meanwhile, Customs Enforcement Karachi conducted an intelligence-driven land operation near the Karachi-Hyderabad Toll Plaza, recovering 564 high-end smuggled mobile phones and a tampered Toyota Land Cruiser Prado worth a combined Rs96 million ($342,591).

The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Karachi noted that specially created cavities concealed the mobile phones and confirmed the vehicle was non-duty paid. An FIR has been registered, and investigations into the smuggling network are ongoing.

Similarly, the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Peshawar foiled multiple smuggling attempts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, seizing goods valued at Rs74.4 million ($265,354).

The operations included the interception of three trucks carrying 12,200 kg of betel nuts, 4,021 sleeves of foreign cigarettes, and 170 tyres, alongside non-duty-paid cosmetics and vehicles such as a Toyota Vitz and Toyota Aqua.

The Anti-Smuggling Directorate in Nowshera also confiscated a JAC Pickup loaded with 2,000 sleeves of smuggled cigarettes.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) emphasized that these operations reaffirm Pakistan Customs’ commitment to curbing smuggling and protecting the national economy.

“These coordinated efforts across sea and land routes demonstrate a robust, intelligence-driven approach to safeguarding Pakistan’s borders and maritime interests,” the FBR said.