Customs foils smuggling bid, seizes computers, LCDs, cigarettes

Pakistan Customs enforcement on Thursday successfully thwarted a major smuggling attempt under its anti-smuggling campaign, seizing computers, LCDs, and foreign cigarettes disguised as used clothing.

The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Karachi intercepted an attempt to smuggle foreign cigarettes and computer LCDs under the pretext of used clothing (Lunda) meant for export. Acting on intelligence received from a sensitive agency, Collector Moinuddin Wani was alerted to a possible smuggling operation involving foreign cigarettes and LCD monitors, concealed within an inter-port shipment.

In response, Collector Wani directed Additional Collector Basit Hussain and Deputy Collector Syed Muhammad Raza Naqvi to enhance vigilance. Special instructions were issued to the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) teams to increase patrols, especially around containers departing from the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT). A red alert was also issued to intensify monitoring efforts.

The operation culminated during routine anti-smuggling patrols near the Bahria Transshipment Terminal on the RCD Highway. A 40-foot container (Registration No JU-2401, Container No INKU-6417040), leaving the KICT, was halted for inspection. The documentation declared the shipment contained used imported clothing for inter-port transfer. However, upon inspection, the patrolling team discovered a hidden haul of 2,720 computers and LCD monitors, along with 404,000 sticks of foreign cigarettes (20,200 cartons).

The total value of the seized goods was estimated at 78.79 million rupees. The foreign cigarettes and LCD monitors had been confiscated and transferred to the ASO warehouse. A case has been filed under the relevant sections of the Customs Act, and further investigations are ongoing.