LAHORE: Customs Preventive team deputed at Allama Iqbal International Airport has arrested a PIA official and his companion who allegedly attempted to smuggle 1,835 cell phones worth Rs 27.5 million.
Sources told Customs Today that the PIA official received a family coming from Abu Dhabi with six suit cases and hand carry bags.
The PIA official Nasrullah Khan received the family and tried to get their clearance under the grab of protocol. It was said that the Customs authorities questioned the family and the PIA official if they were processing anything unlawful but they responded in negative. However, when they were examined thoroughly the customs authorities recovered 1,835 smart phone of different companies including Samsung, HTC, Huawei, Motorola and other such types.
The sources said that the total value of the mobile phones was assessed at Rs 25.7 million in Pakistani currency while the family was coming from Abu Dhabi.
As per the customs authorities the mobiles were to be dumped in the markets in Lahore which would have inflicted losses of millions of rupees to the national exchequer.
The customs authorities after impounding the mobiles from the accused party have arrested the passenger Muhammad Riaz, a resident of Mozang and the PIA official and registered FIR against them.
The customs sources said that they have arrested the accused persons on the spot and imitated further investigations to reach to others involved.
