At Jinnah International Airport, a passenger arriving from Dubai was apprehended with 29 iPhones strapped to his body. Customs officials thwarted his attempt to smuggle the phones, laptops, women’s clothing, and cosmetics, through the green channel.
Muhammad Danial Nasir, arriving on Flydubai flight FZ333, was stopped by customs officials, led by Additional Collector Faisal Khan, after passing through the green channel with his luggage.
Khan said:
Customs officials, acting on suspicion, moved the passenger to the examination counter for a thorough inspection of his body and belongings.
Upon searching the passenger and his luggage, customs officials made a startling discovery: 29 iPhones were concealed beneath his clothing, while his bags contained 14 iPhones, two laptops, women’s clothing, chocolates, and cosmetics.
According to Additional Collector Faisal Khan, the estimated value of the seized goods is Rs. 7.5 million. Following the discovery, authorities took swift action, registering a case against the passenger, placing him under arrest, and confiscating the smuggled items.
It is worth mentioning that even though customs officials have apprehended endless attempts to smuggle smartphones and other expensive items at airports, they have also been caught trying to sell these items themselves.
Pakistan’s Federal Tax Ombudsman, the government’s tax watchdog, has issued a stern warning to customs officials after uncovering a serious breach of protocol. Expensive mobile phones, seized and ordered to be destroyed, were found to be illegally circulating in the market. The investigation, triggered by the disappearance of 22 high-end phones valued at millions of rupees, revealed complicity among customs employees.
Despite this evidence, no disciplinary action has been taken against those involved. This incident has raised serious concerns about corruption and lack of accountability within the customs department. The Tax Ombudsman’s intervention highlights the need for stricter oversight and enforcement to prevent such incidents from recurring.