Pakistan Customs on Wednesday announced foiling of a major attempt to smuggle mobile phones, weapon parts, alcohol and pork meat valued at approximately Rs. 157.727 million at the Sost Dry Port and Baggage Section in Gilgit-Baltistan.
In a statement, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said Customs officials had acted on credible information and thoroughly examined two consignments imported from China. During inspection, Customs recovered 59,000 units of Nokia 105 mobile phones with batteries; 5,200 pieces of medicine weighing 318kg; 3,000 Sildenafil Citrate tablets; and assorted weapon parts.
In another operation at the Baggage Section, Customs personnel intercepted an attempt to smuggle 80 bottles (20 liters) of liquor and 40kg of pork meat brought from China through the Khunjerab Pass, in violation of Pakistan’s import prohibitions.
The estimated duty and taxes on the seized items amounted to Rs. 78.547 million. The seized items have been taken into custody under the Customs Act, 1969. Further legal proceedings are also underway, read the statement.
Such operations reflect the FBR’s resolve to curb smuggling, protect national revenue and prevent prohibited goods from entering the country, it added.