ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs seized narcotics, smuggled goods, and vehicles worth Rs1.38 billion ($4.92 million) in Balochistan , the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said.
Customs Enforcement Quetta recovered 22.14 kilograms of narcotics and large consignments of smuggled goods in two separate operations.
The seized items included betel nuts, Indian medicines, Chinese salt, auto parts, one ROCO vehicle, and three Hino trucks. The FBR said the total value of the seizures was Rs1.38 billion.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, remains a key route for smuggled goods entering Pakistan.
The FBR said the operations were part of an intensified enforcement drive to curb smuggling and dismantle illegal trade networks.
“All seized narcotics, goods, and vehicles have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings under the Customs Act 1969 have been initiated,” the statement said.
In the first operation, customs officials intercepted three containers during routine checks at the FEU Zariat Cross area. The containers were being transported from Quetta to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The intercepted vehicles included three Hino trucks. A detailed inspection led to the recovery of smuggled goods concealed inside the containers.
In the second operation, Customs Enforcement Quetta, with assistance from local police, intercepted a ROCO vehicle at Zariat Cross.
Officials interrogated the driver and searched the vehicle. During questioning, the driver revealed that drugs were hidden inside the spare wheel beneath the vehicle.
A thorough search led to the recovery of suspected heroin packed in 41 packets, each weighing 0.54 kilograms.
The total weight of the narcotics was 22.14 kilograms, with an estimated international market value of Rs1.23 billion, the FBR said.
The FBR praised the Customs Enforcement Quetta team for the successful operation and reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling, illicit trade, and illegal economic activities nationwide.
