Islamabad: Pakistan Customs has ramped up its nationwide anti-smuggling operations, resulting in significant seizures worth billions, including narcotics and smuggled goods from Ziarat Cross to Sost.

According to Press Information Department, the Field Enforcement Unit at Ziarat Cross, under the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) in Quetta, seized 42.891 kg of heroin valued at approximately Rs. 1.2 billion. The drugs were found concealed in a Toyota Hilux Revo, which was also seized, bringing the total value to Rs. 1.22 billion. Two individuals were arrested, and charges have been filed under the Customs Act of 1969 and the Control of Narcotic Substances Act of 1997. This marks the third major narcotics bust by the unit in less than six weeks.

In a separate operation, the Digital Enforcement Station in Kolpur intercepted a passenger vehicle on the Quetta-Sibi route, uncovering smuggled goods worth Rs. 51.6 million. The haul included 500 kg of Cellulose Acetate Tow, valued at Rs. 50 million, along with other contraband items. This is the second large seizure of Cellulose Acetate Tow by the station in under ten days, with a prior seizure totaling Rs. 73 million at the end of October.

At the Silk Route Dry Port in Sost, customs officials discovered approximately 23,800 kg of suspected Cellulose Acetate Tow, along with other goods, in an undeclared container. The market value of these items is estimated at Rs. 75 million, with associated duties and taxes amounting to Rs. 319 million. Samples from the container are being tested to determine the exact composition and classification of the materials.

These actions underscore Pakistan Customs’ commitment to strengthening enforcement and curbing smuggling activities, despite challenging conditions at remote enforcement stations. The agency remains focused on protecting the national exchequer and preventing revenue losses through continued vigilance and enforcement efforts.