Female passenger held with iPhones, MacBooks worth millions at Karachi airport

The Collectorate of Pakistan Customs at Jinnah International Airport intercepted a smuggling attempt valued at Rs14 million and apprehended a woman linked to the illicit activity on Saturday.

Syed Irfan Ali, a Customs spokesperson, reported that the personnel at the airport successfully thwarted the smuggling of goods exceeding Rs14 million. The Customs staff stationed at the International Arrival Lounge detained a woman passenger, identified as Saima Ali, arriving in Karachi on Qatar Airlines flight QR 610 from the United States via Qatar Airlines. Acting on suspicion during the routine check at the green channel, Customs officials inquired about the contents of her luggage. Upon scanning, the luggage revealed iPhones, MacBooks, Gaming Laptops, Vitamins, ladies’ branded shoes, and handbags. The Customs staff took custody of the passenger’s luggage, detaining the woman in the process.

The seized items, with a total value of Rs14 million, are subject to duty taxes amounting to Rs5 million. The woman passenger is facing legal action under the Customs Act, and further investigations are currently underway.

Irfan Ali highlighted the increased attempts at smuggling through passengers arriving from abroad, emphasising the importance of strict customs measures. Collector Customs Airport Shafiq Ahmed urged returning passengers to refrain from carrying unrelated persons’ luggage to avoid legal consequences.