Pakistan Customs authorities on Saturday foiled two separate smuggling attempts at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, seizing gold and undeclared foreign currency worth around Rs50.682 million from passengers at the international gate.
In the two distinct operations, authorities confiscated ten STB gold bars weighing 100 tolas and USD 11,900 in undeclared cash. First Information Reports (FIRs) have since been lodged against the individuals under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1969.
The first incident involved a passenger bound for Dubai on flight FZ-330, who was intercepted after a baggage scan indicated the presence of precious metal. A joint examination of the traveller”s luggage revealed three gold bars, totalling 30 tolas, skilfully concealed inside mobile phones. Additionally, officials recovered USD 4,900 from the individual”s wallet, which had not been declared at the Currency Declaration Counter. The value of the contraband in this case was estimated at PKR 15.682 million.
In an earlier operation, customs staff detained another passenger travelling to Istanbul via flight TK-709 on suspicion of carrying illicit goods. A detailed inspection of the passenger’s baggage led to the discovery of seven gold bars weighing a total of 70 tolas. A subsequent body search recovered a further USD 7,000 in undeclared foreign currency. The total value of items seized in this instance is approximately PKR 35 million.
According to an official statement, these seizures underscore the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) commitment to curbing smuggling through all channels and protecting national revenue by ensuring the strict enforcement of customs laws.