Karachi police seize 29.69 billion Iranian rials in anti-smuggling operation, nine arrested

Police in Karachi’s Mochko area seized Iranian currency worth to 29.69 billion Iranian rials (approximately Rs6.278 million) and arrested nine individuals during an operation targeting a suspected smuggling network, according to a news report. 

Officials said the action followed intelligence about movement of foreign currency from Balochistan into Karachi. Surveillance was established on key entry routes before two vehicles, bearing registration numbers AZC-922 and AYC-169, were intercepted.

Police teams stopped both vehicles and detained six men and three women without resistance.

A search of the vehicles resulted in the recovery of 236 bundles of Iranian currency, amounting to 29.69 billion rials, concealed in hidden compartments.

The arrested individuals were identified as Muhammad Asghar, Abdul Ghaffar, Bibi Sahara, Gul Seema, Bibi Afsana, Taj Muhammad, Muhammad Naseem, Nematullah and Anar Gul. Officials said the group is suspected to be part of a wider smuggling network, with the currency believed to have been transported via Balochistan.

The suspects, along with the seized currency and vehicles, are being handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency for further investigation.