PTBP Web Desk
Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport has recently become the focal point of several significant operations by customs officials, thwarting multiple smuggling attempts and recovering valuables worth millions. These actions highlight the effectiveness of Pakistan’s customs enforcement in curbing illicit trade and protecting the country’s economy.
Customs officials successfully intercepted an individual attempting to smuggle 37 iPhones valued at Rs 11.5 million. Umar Farooq, who arrived from Sharjah, was apprehended during a routine inspection following a tip-off from Collector Customs Tayyba Kayani. The seized iPhones, concealed in his luggage, were confiscated, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the suspect under the customs act.
In November, another smuggling bid was foiled at the same airport. Customs officials arrested Asif Shahzad, who arrived from Dubai on a private airline flight (PA-417). Shahzad was caught trying to smuggle 1.628 kilograms of gold, six diamond sets, and five iPhones. Authorities discovered that Shahzad had ingeniously concealed the gold within his clothing to evade detection.
The confiscated items were valued at millions of rupees, and a case was registered against the accused under the customs act. This incident underscored the growing sophistication of smuggling methods and the importance of stringent airport security measures.
October saw two major operations by customs officials at Lahore’s airport, leading to the recovery of mobile phones worth millions. In one case, PIA air hostess Nadia Batool was caught attempting to smuggle 30 iPhones valued at over Rs 11.2 million. The iPhones were cleverly hidden within her belongings and various parts of her body.
In a separate operation, passengers Muhammad Arshad and his wife Fariha Amin were found with mobile phones valued at Rs 5.5 million, concealed in their luggage. Both passengers were taken into custody, and legal actions were initiated against them. These cases not only reflect the dedication of customs officials but also the challenges posed by insider involvement and passenger smuggling networks.
Following the incident involving PIA crew members, the airline took swift action by suspending the involved air hostess and other implicated staff members. PIA’s strict policy against employee misconduct serves as a deterrent and reinforces accountability within its ranks.
The recent operations at Allama Iqbal International Airport underline the critical role of customs authorities in combating smuggling. By intercepting high-value items such as gold, diamond sets, and electronic devices, customs officials are not only protecting the country’s economic interests but also sending a strong message to smugglers about the risks of illegal activities.
Despite these successes, smuggling remains a persistent challenge due to the ingenuity of offenders and the high demand for valuable items like gold and electronics. Enhanced training for customs personnel, investment in advanced scanning technologies, and increased collaboration with international agencies are essential to further improve the effectiveness of anti-smuggling efforts.
