Pakistan Customs has seized non-custom-paid (NCP) vehicles and other smuggled goods worth more than Rs113.5 million during a series of intelligence-based operations conducted in Islamabad. The crackdown is part of an intensified campaign to curb smuggling and illegal trade across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Customs Enforcement Collectorate Islamabad, the operations have been carried out since July 10 under the supervision of senior Customs officials. Authorities said the intelligence-based raids targeted illegal trade networks involved in the movement of smuggled vehicles and other prohibited goods.
During the operations, Customs Enforcement teams confiscated 10 high-value smuggled vehicles. The seized vehicles included a 2018 Toyota Camry, a 2002 Volkswagen, a 2020 Suzuki Alto, a 2004 Toyota Wish, a 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser, a 1996 Toyota Prado, a 2012 Toyota Prius, and a 2004 Toyota Passo. Officials said most of the recovered vehicles were non-custom-paid (NCP) and had been brought into the country without fulfilling customs requirements.
In addition to the vehicles, Customs officials recovered a large quantity of smuggled goods. These included foreign-brand cigarettes, imported tyres, high-quality fabric, and dried figs. Authorities said the seized items were being transported illegally and have now been taken into official custody.
The Customs Enforcement Collectorate stated that the latest operations demonstrate Pakistan Customs’ commitment to strengthening anti-smuggling enforcement. Officials said intelligence-based actions will continue across the country to dismantle illegal trade networks, protect government revenue, and ensure compliance with customs laws.
Authorities added that smuggling causes significant losses to the national economy by depriving the government of tax revenue and creating unfair competition for legitimate businesses. They stressed that strict enforcement measures will continue against individuals and groups involved in illegal trade activities.
Earlier this month, Pakistan Customs also foiled another alleged smuggling attempt at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. On July 9, Customs officials seized 2,600 packs of cigarettes from the luggage of two Umrah pilgrims preparing to travel to Jeddah on a private airline flight.
According to Customs, suspicious items were detected during baggage screening, leading to a detailed search of the passengers’ luggage. Officials recovered 260 cartons, equivalent to 2,600 packs of cigarettes. The cigarettes were confiscated under the Customs Act, 1969, while both passengers were taken into custody. Legal proceedings have been initiated in the case.
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