In a decisive move against illegal trade, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has confiscated a massive haul of smuggled mobile phones valued at approximately Rs. 62 million. The operation was conducted by the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) under the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi, following a carefully planned intelligence-based strategy.
According to customs authorities, the seizure took place early Thursday after officials received verified intelligence about a truck transporting undeclared mobile phones from Balochistan to Karachi. ASO teams swiftly responded by deploying plainclothes officers at strategic checkpoints to discreetly monitor the suspect vehicle.
The Mazda truck was eventually stopped at the Hamdard Checkpost while approaching through Sakran Road. After interception, the vehicle was transferred to the CPF Warehouse, where a comprehensive inspection was carried out.
During the search, officials uncovered 803 smartphones belonging to multiple popular brands, including iPhone, Vivo, Google Pixel, Infinix, and Spark. The phones were cleverly concealed inside a specially modified hidden compartment within the truck, indicating a well-organized smuggling attempt.
Authorities estimated the seized mobile phones to be worth Rs. 62 million, while the vehicle used for transportation was valued at around Rs. 25 million, bringing the total value of the case to nearly Rs. 87 million.
The truck driver and his assistant have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings are currently underway. An FIR is being registered under relevant laws, and further investigations are ongoing to trace the wider smuggling network involved.
Officials stated that the successful operation reflects FBR’s continued commitment to combating smuggling, strengthening revenue collection, and ensuring fair trade practices across the country.