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The Pakistan Customs Collectorate, located at Karachi Airport, has confiscated 51 iPhones from Umrah pilgrims returning to the country. This action comes in response to the recent implementation of stringent anti-smuggling measures. It has been disclosed that smugglers have resorted to using Umrah pilgrims for their illegal operations.
These travelers are enticed with discounted airfare and monetary incentives to unlawfully transport mobile phones worth millions of rupees into Pakistan. Exploiting the fact that Umrah pilgrims are typically subjected to easy clearance by airport authorities, smugglers have begun utilizing them for their illicit purposes.
Also Read: FIA Seizes Smuggled Iranian Tiles in Gujranwala
Recently, suspicions arose among customs officials regarding a group of passengers, including women and children. Consequently, the officials initiated a search and discovered empty phone boxes within their luggage. When these individuals failed to provide satisfactory explanations, the officials proceeded to search their clothing, ultimately uncovering 51 iPhones.
Among these iPhones were 14 units of iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, 12 units of iPhone 14, and 25 units of iPhone 15. The combined value of these iPhones, inclusive of taxes, was estimated to be Rs. 27.4 million.
Airport Collector Customs Shafiq Ahmed Latki has cautioned passengers against carrying items belonging to others, particularly mobile phones, upon their return to Pakistan. He also issued a stern warning regarding potential legal repercussions for individuals involved in such activities.
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