Pakistan Customs foiled a major diesel and tyre smuggling attempt on May 24.
Pakistan Customs seized a large amount of diesel, tyres, and betel nut in a series of anti-smuggling operations carried out in Karachi, Khuzdar, and Lahore.
In the largest case, Customs Enforcement officials said they confiscated more than 2.5 million litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) that was allegedly being transported to Karachi using auction documents that authorities believe were misused.
Officials said several companies have been named in the investigation, including Al-Noor Petroleum Limited, Fuel XL Petroleum Limited, Al-Raheem Trading Company, and Caspian Oil.
According to Customs, the fuel was allegedly being moved and stored under the cover of manipulated auction documents.
A first information report (FIR) has been registered, and investigators are examining the extent of the operation and the possible involvement of additional individuals and businesses.
In a separate operation, the Field Enforcement Unit in Khuzdar intercepted a passenger bus on the RCD Highway after receiving intelligence about suspected smuggled goods.
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Officials said a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 948 bags of betel nut hidden inside the bus. The total weight of the seized consignment was more than 12,000 kilograms.
Customs estimated the value of the betel nut at around Rs61.6 million. Including the vehicle, authorities said the total value of the case was nearly Rs73.6 million.
Meanwhile, Customs Enforcement Lahore carried out a late-night raid at the city’s Truck Adda tyre market in coordination with the Intelligence Bureau.
Officials said the operation faced resistance from some individuals at the site, but authorities were able to complete the raid and seize 1,341 tyres of various sizes and brands. The tyres were valued at approximately Rs23.2 million.
Customs officials said the operations form part of a wider campaign against smuggling and illegal trade. Investigations into all three cases are continuing, and authorities say further legal action is expected where evidence supports it.
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