Foreign currency worth millions seized at Karachi airport

Vigilant efforts of Pakistan Customs Collectorate officials stationed at Jinnah International Airport resulted in the confiscation of foreign currency amounting to Rs3.7 million.

Syed Irfan Ali, a spokesperson for the customs, disclosed that the personnel stationed at the International Departure Lounge of the Collectorate of Customs Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) Karachi intercepted 50,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to Rs3.7 million, from the possession of a passenger bound for Dubai named Asad Ahmed, travelling on Emirates Airlines flight EK603.

Ahmed had clandestinely concealed the currency within his belongings, triggering swift action under the Customs Act. The government of Pakistan, in conjunction with the State Bank of Pakistan, has imposed a limit of $5,000 or equivalent per passenger for individuals departing abroad. Further investigations are currently underway.

Meanwhile, The Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) persisted in their crackdown on smuggling activities. Collaborating with the police, Anti-Narcotics Force, and Customs Intelligence, joint operations were conducted based on actionable intelligence in various locations within the Landhi area of Karachi, notably Ghaghar Phattak near the National Highway and surrounding vicinities.

These operations yielded significant seizures, including 1,700 litres of Iranian diesel, one tank, one Peter, one fueling machine, 1.220 kilograms of ice, 8.600 kg of hashish, six mobile phones, and seven vehicle number plates. The Rangers reaffirmed its commitment to continue these operations until drug trafficking was curbed and smuggling was entirely eradicated.

The recovered contraband, narcotics, Iranian oil, and other confiscated items were handed over to customs authorities for further legal proceedings.