LAHORE: Customs authorities have intensified a nationwide enforcement campaign against smuggled goods, non-duty-paid vehicles, petroleum products and other contraband items as part of efforts to curb illicit trade and support revenue collection targets for May and June 2026.
As per reports, the operation is being supervised by the Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement), Islamabad, across nine Customs Enforcement Collectorates with support from law enforcement agencies.
In Lahore, the Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) of Customs Enforcement carried out a raid at the Truck Adda tyre market in coordination with the Intelligence Bureau. Despite resistance during the operation, authorities detained 1,341 tyres of various sizes and brands.
The seized tyres, equivalent to seven Mazda truckloads, have an estimated value of ₨23.2 million.
In one of the major operations, Balochistan Customs intercepted a commercial vehicle carrying cargo under the cover of vegetables. The driver presented a document purportedly issued by the Ministry of Interior and bearing an endorsement stating it had been countersigned by the Collector of Customs.
The vehicle was reportedly travelling from Mongocher to Multan, but the driver later stated that the goods had been loaded from Hazar Ganji, Quetta. Customs officials cited inconsistencies in the driver’s statements, the route and the documentation as grounds for a physical inspection.
Upon opening the container, officials found potatoes loaded in the front section. Further examination led to the recovery of foreign-origin Ajinomoto, commonly known as China salt, concealed behind the vegetables. Cartons of foreign-origin cigarettes were also discovered hidden inside the cargo.
Customs officials said the concealment method indicated an attempt to transport contraband goods using vegetables as cover and through the alleged use of forged documents.
Meanwhile, the Field Enforcement Unit (FEU) in Khuzdar intercepted a passenger bus near Pir Umer Police Chowki on the Main RCD Highway after receiving intelligence regarding smuggled goods.
Officials recovered 948 bags of betel nuts, each weighing 13 kilograms, bringing the total weight to 12,324 kilograms. The seized betel nuts were valued at approximately ₨61.62 million, while the vehicle was valued at around ₨12 million, taking the total case value to about ₨73.62 million.
Legal proceedings have been initiated in accordance with the law.
In Karachi, enforcement authorities seized more than 2.5 million litres of high-speed diesel (HSD) allegedly being transported by two oil marketing companies and storage operators through the misuse of auction documents belonging to Customs and another law enforcement agency.
An FIR has been registered and investigations are underway.
Separately, the ASO team in Dera Ghazi Khan, working with other law enforcement agencies, detained four smuggled or non-customs-paid vehicles during enforcement operations.
Customs authorities said the crackdown forms part of a broader national campaign targeting smuggling networks and the movement of non-duty-paid goods across the country.
