LAHORE: Customs authorities at Allama Iqbal International Airport Monday foiled a bid to smuggle in 384 Samsung mobile phones of various models from Abu Dhabi to Pakistan.
Customs sources said that the accused was trying to smuggle notified mobile phone sets using the green channel when superintendent of customs Waqar Ahmad Cheema upon suspicion asked him whether he has any objectionable items with him in his bags. The accused replied in no.
However, when his bags were scanned 154 and 230 Samsung mobiles respectively were discovered from his two shoulder bags. The Customs authorities informed that the passenger was travelling from Abu Dhabi to Pakistan on PIA flight no PK296. They added that the passenger was destined to land at Rahim Yar Khan but due to bad weather conditions the flight landed at the Allama Iqbal international Airport Lahore. The accused said that he was carrying the mobile sets for personal usage not for commercial purposes.
According to the customs sources total value of the notified mobile phones has been calculated at Rs 38,40,000. The customs authorities accused the traveler of violating customs act 1969 and FIR has been registered under Section 2(s) 16,139,156(1) (8) (70)-157. The Customs investigation and prosecution department has arrested the accused seizing all the 384 mobile phone sets and started further investigation.
