Pakistan Customs officials successfully foiled two major smuggling attempts today at Jinnah International Airport (JIAP), Karachi. Operating at the international departures terminal, the agency seized gold bullions and foreign currency worth approximately Rs. 50.682 million.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) confirmed the seizures in a recent statement. Officials recovered a total of ten STB gold bars weighing 100 tolas. Additionally, they confiscated undeclared foreign currency amounting to $11,900.
In the first incident, customs officials intercepted a passenger boarding flight FZ-330 to Dubai. Baggage scanning initially indicated the concealment of precious metals.
Upon a joint examination, staff discovered three gold bars weighing 30 tolas. Interestingly, the smuggler skillfully concealed these bars inside mobile phones. Furthermore, officials found $4,900 in the passenger’s wallet. He had failed to declare this cash at the currency declaration counter. The estimated value of this seizure stands at Rs. 15.682 million.
Separately, officials stopped another passenger travelling to Istanbul via flight TK-709. Scanners detected suspicious items in the luggage. A detailed inspection revealed seven gold bars weighing 70 tolas.
Subsequently, a body search led to the recovery of another $7,000 in undeclared cash. This single case accounts for approximately Rs. 35 million of the total seizure value.
The authorities have moved swiftly against the perpetrators. Pakistan Customs has lodged First Information Reports (FIRs) for both cases. These charges fall under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1969. The recovered gold and currency remain in custody as the investigation proceeds.