Customs Seize Over 100 kg of Smuggled Silver Worth Millions in Nationwide Anti-Smuggling Operation

In a major anti-smuggling crackdown, Pakistan Customs has confiscated over 100 kilograms of smuggled silver and several vehicles used in illicit transport operations across Quetta, Karachi, and Gadani. The coordinated enforcement actions, carried out by multiple collectorates under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), demonstrate the agency’s strengthened surveillance and intelligence network.

According to official reports, the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Quetta, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Toyota Axio (Registration No. AWQ-240) in the Yaroo area. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 40 fine silver bricks of 999.9 purity weighing nearly 40 kilograms and 36 silver biscuits of 999 purity weighing an additional 9 kilograms. The vehicle, valued at Rs. 6 million, was seized alongside the contraband. The total value of the confiscated goods was estimated at Rs. 26.76 million. The silver and the vehicle were taken into custody, and an investigation is underway to identify those involved in the smuggling network.

In Karachi, the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) foiled two major smuggling attempts at the Mochko Check Post on the RCD Highway. In the first operation, officers stopped a passenger bus, Al-Hakeem (BTA-022), arriving from Gwadar and recovered 25 kilograms of silver worth around Rs. 12 million concealed in passenger luggage. The owner, identified as Muhammad Arif, was unable to produce any legal import documents. In another operation, a second passenger bus, Al-Saif (JD-553), was intercepted, leading to the recovery of 20 kilograms of silver bars valued at Rs. 9 million. Both buses and their crews were detained, and the seized silver was taken into custody under the Customs Act, 1969. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin and intended destination of the smuggled silver and to uncover potential links to organized smuggling networks operating along the coastal and border routes.

Meanwhile, the Field Enforcement Unit (FEU) Khurkhera, in collaboration with Uthal Police, intercepted a Toyota Corolla (Registration No. BFR-023) on October 23, 2025. Authorities recovered 25 kilograms of smuggled silver from the vehicle. Two suspects, Shah Wali and Abdul Razak, were arrested on the spot, and an FIR was lodged against them. The confiscated goods and vehicle are now under Customs custody pending further investigation.

A spokesperson for Pakistan Customs commended the enforcement teams in Quetta, Karachi, and Gadani for their successful operations, stating that these actions highlight the department’s increased vigilance and effective inter-agency coordination. “These coordinated enforcement efforts are part of the FBR Transformation Plan, aimed at curbing smuggling, protecting the national economy, and ensuring lawful trade practices,” the spokesperson said.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying operations against smuggling networks across Pakistan, emphasizing that such illegal activities not only harm legitimate businesses but also deprive the national exchequer of vital revenue.