Pakistan Customs strikes hard against smuggling

Islamabad: November 10,2026: Pakistan Customs has intensified its nationwide anti-smuggling and enforcement operations, resulting in the seizure of heroin worth approximately Rs. 1.2 billion at Ziarat Cross, recovery of smuggled goods worth Rs. 51.6 million at DES Kolpur, Quetta, and detection of suspected cigarette-filter raw material at Sost Dry Port, involving estimated duties and taxes of Rs. 319 million.

In a major narcotics seizure, the Field Enforcement Unit (FEU), Ziarat Cross, Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Quetta, recovered 42.891 kg of heroin, having an estimated international market value of Rs. 1.2 billion, from specially constructed concealed compartments in a Toyota Hilux Revo. The vehicle, valued at approximately Rs. 20 million, was also seized, bringing the total value of the seizure to Rs. 1.22 billion. Both occupants were arrested on the spot. An FIR has been registered under the Customs Act, 1969, and the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997. Notably, this is the third major narcotics seizure by FEU Ziarat Cross within less than six weeks.

In another significant operation, the Digital Enforcement Station (DES), Kolpur, seized smuggled foreign-origin goods worth Rs. 51.6 million (CIF value: Rs. 36.1 million) during checking of a passenger vehicle on the Quetta–Sibi route. The seizure included approximately 500 kg of Cellulose Acetate Tow, valued at Rs. 50 million, along with 30 Indian-origin Ketamine injections, Chinese salt, poppy seeds, foreign cigarettes, cosmetics, confectionery and other goods. This marks the second major Cellulose Acetate Tow seizure by DES Kolpur in less than ten days. Following the earlier recovery of approximately 730 kg worth Rs. 73 million on 31 October 2026, the cumulative value of the two seizures has exceeded Rs. 108 million. The latest operation was conducted by recently inducted Sub-Inspectors and Sepoys, demonstrating the growing operational capacity of the field formation.

Meanwhile, at Silk Route Dry Port, Sost, Pakistan Customs recovered approximately 23,800 kg of suspected Cellulose Acetate Tow, along with cosmetics, perfumes, mobile phone batteries and circuit breakers, from an undeclared container. The goods have an estimated market value of Rs. 75 million, while the associated duties and taxes are estimated at Rs. 319 million, largely attributable to the suspected Cellulose Acetate Tow. The container was examined on 07 November 2026, and samples of the recovered material are being sent for laboratory testing to establish its exact composition and classification. Legal proceedings are being initiated under the Customs Act, 1969.

These operations reflect Pakistan Customs’ sustained commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, strengthening field formations and curbing the movement of smuggled goods and narcotics. The recoveries at Kolpur and Ziarat Cross are particularly noteworthy given the challenging security environment and demanding working conditions faced by Customs personnel deployed at remote enforcement stations.

Pakistan Customs remains resolute in protecting the national exchequer, disrupting smuggling networks, preventing revenue leakages and safeguarding society from the menace of narcotics through sustained vigilance and effective enforcement.