Customs officials in Quetta have seized luxury non-custom-paid vehicles worth about Rs210 million in a targeted operation based on credible intelligence, marking another effort to curb the long-running trade of undocumented cars in Balochistan.
Officials said the seized vehicles include two bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser V8s and a Lexus SUV. The Mobile Squad, backed by other law enforcement agencies, took all three into custody after receiving intelligence from the Chief Collector (Enforcement) in Islamabad.
A persistent challenge in Quetta
Smuggled, high-value vehicles have long flowed into Quetta through undocumented routes, making the city a known hub for non-custom-paid cars.
For years, many showroom owners openly sold such vehicles and supplied them nationwide. While the situation has reportedly improved and these cars are no longer displayed as freely as before, the trade has not entirely disappeared.
Dealers now operate more discreetly, often using private groups and online pages where they advertise vehicles and connect with potential buyers away from public view.
Why buyers still take the risk
Despite the clear legal risks, demand for NCP vehicles continues. The reason is simple: the price difference is massive. A Toyota Prius with cleared documents can cost around Rs6 million, while a similar non-custom-paid model may be available for as little as Rs1.5 million.
The low cost attracts buyers looking for a bargain, though the consequences of owning such a vehicle can be severe, including confiscation and legal trouble.
Crackdown to protect revenue
The Federal Board of Revenue praised the enforcement team, noting that high-value seizures like this support ongoing efforts to protect national revenue and restrict the flow of untaxed, illegally imported vehicles in Pakistan’s market.
Officials say more such operations are expected as authorities continue to tighten checks on cross-border smuggling routes and informal car networks that have operated for years in the province.
Read next: Toyota Corolla Gli price in Pakistan: why it’s still a favourite
