KARACHI: Pakistani authorities have intercepted an attempt to smuggle 5.6 million Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, valued at Rs2.8 billion (US$10 million), disguised as a towel export to Sierra Leone.
This marks the second major seizure of the highly addictive Indian-origin drug in a month, highlighting a growing cross-border smuggling network.
The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Karachi, acting on risk profiling, flagged the suspicious consignment despite its clearance through the Green Channel of the Risk Management System. Upon arrival at the Qasim International Container Terminal, the container was subjected to scanning and a 100% physical inspection, leading to the recovery of the contraband along with undeclared biscuit brands “Café” and “A-I Special.”
No towels, as falsely declared in the shipping documents, were found in the shipment.
Tramadol is a controlled substance under Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) rules and is classified as a psychotropic drug in several countries. The Customs authorities confirmed that the shipment, first smuggled from India, was intended for Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The case follows a similar seizure last month, where 21.8 million Tramadol tablets and 7,000 capsules worth Rs10 billion were confiscated.
The consignment had been filed with Karachi’s Exports Collectorate by Ahmad Trading and initially cleared for export without inspection. The clearing agent, Speed Line (Private) Limited, filed the goods declaration (GD) on March 9, listing 170 cartons of towels worth $7,930.
Based on the exporter’s profile, the Risk Management System marked the shipment for Green Channel clearance, allowing it to proceed without physical verification. However, intelligence reports led to the shipment’s detention, exposing the fraudulent declaration.
An FIR has been registered against the exporter and clearing agents under the Customs Act and the Import and Export Control Act of 1950. The authorities have also issued notices to all involved parties, demanding legal documentation to justify the export of the drugs under false pretenses.
Since neither the exporter nor the clearing agent complied, the consignment was officially seized, and legal proceedings initiated.
The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement is actively working to dismantle the smuggling network involved in the illegal trade of hazardous pharmaceuticals. The seizure underscores the increasing misuse of Pakistan’s trade channels for illicit drug trafficking, particularly to African and Middle Eastern markets.
Authorities continue their investigation to track down the individuals responsible and prevent further exploitation of the country’s export system.
