Customs seizes 15,465 smuggled phones worth Rs446mn at Khunjerab Pass

Pakistan Customs has foiled an attempt to smuggle over 15,465 mobile phones, mostly Android, valued at Rs446 million from China into Pakistan through the Khunjerab Pass. 

The smuggled goods, including iPhones and other non-duty-paid items, were seized, and a case has been registered.

Customs officials at Sost Dry Port received a tip-off regarding a truck, numbered GLTE 1257, carrying smuggled mobile phones and valuable goods, a report submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said. 

The truck had crossed into Pakistan from China and was reportedly parked near Dehi along the Karakoram Highway, waiting for the goods to be offloaded at night.

Acting on the information, Assistant Collector of Customs at Sost Dry Port, Imtiaz Shigri, dispatched a team to investigate the parked vehicle. The team found the truck abandoned on the roadside, and local residents informed them that the driver claimed the truck had a mechanical issue.

The Customs team towed the truck to Sost Dry Port, where it was placed in custody for safekeeping. Since no one came forward to claim the vehicle or the goods, a public notice was issued, instructing the unknown importer to present the necessary documents within 15 days. 

After receiving no response, officials conducted a detailed physical examination of the truck’s contents.

The inspection revealed a total of 15,465 mobile phones, including 8,365 smartphones from brands like iPhone, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus, as well as 7,100 bar phones. The estimated market value of the seized goods is Rs446 million.

Pakistan Customs has registered a case against the smuggling attempt, and the goods have been confiscated as per the law.