LAHORE: Customs officials deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA) Lahore foiled a major smuggling attempt on Saturday morning, seizing seven silver bullion bars worth over Rs2.66 million from a passenger arriving from the Middle East.
According to details, acting on a tip-off, the Customs Intelligence and Prosecution Cell put the international arrival hall on high alert during the landing of Air Blue flight PA-417 from Doha. Inspector Asif Sohail, accompanied by Superintendent Abdul Rauf and other staff, closely monitored passenger movements when one individual’s suspicious behavior caught their attention.
The passenger, identified as Muhammad Shafiq son of Muhammad Hanif, resident of Heath Colony, Okara, attempted to exit through the green channel with his luggage, denying possession of any dutiable or prohibited items. Upon thorough search, officials recovered seven silver bars, each weighing one kilogram, concealed under his shirt with the help of a specially stitched belt.
The smuggled bullion, valued at Rs. 2,668,596 (approx. USD 9,463), carried potential duties and taxes of nearly Rs. 938,271, as per assessment. Shafiq failed to provide any legal documentation for the consignment and confessed to having purchased the bars in Doha for resale in Pakistan’s local market.
The seized bullion and concealment belt were taken into custody under Section 157(1), 168 of the Customs Act 1969, along with other relevant provisions of the Import and Export (Control) Act, 1950. The accused was arrested, and FIR No. 15/2025 has been registered for further investigation into his facilitators and accomplices.
Customs officials confirmed that the accused had deliberately attempted to smuggle precious metals into Pakistan in violation of national laws. The case has been referred to the Special Judge Customs and Anti-Smuggling, Lahore, while further investigations are underway to trace the wider smuggling network.
