Islamabad (Special Correspondent Ehsan Bukhari)
Customs officials at Islamabad International Airport foiled an attempt to smuggle goods worth more than Rs35 million from Dubai, including 40 kilograms of silver and 62 iPhones. However, the suspect managed to escape from the airport, allegedly with the help of some customs personnel.
According to customs sources, the smuggling attempt was discovered when the baggage of a passenger arriving from Dubai was inspected. The inspection revealed one maund (40 kilograms) of silver and 62 iPhones, including the latest iPhone 17 models. The seized items are estimated to be worth around Rs35 million.
When customs officials took possession of the goods, the accused fled the scene, leaving behind his passport and luggage. Following the incident, the Collector of Customs suspended three constables allegedly involved in facilitating the escape, while a report against the Customs Superintendent has been forwarded to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for disciplinary action.
Chief Collector (Airports) took notice of the smuggling attempt and the suspect’s escape. Meanwhile, customs authorities have registered a case against the suspect, identified as Yasir, who has reportedly obtained pre-arrest bail but has yet to join the investigation.
Officials are now investigating how long this smuggling operation has been taking place and whether any customs staff have been complicit. Data from the mobile phones of customs inspectors stationed at the airport is also being examined. Despite ongoing investigations, the broader smuggling network behind the operation has yet to be uncovered.