ISLAMABAD: The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Karachi has seized 564 high-end smuggled mobile phones along with a tampered Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, collectively valued at Rs 96 million, during an intelligence-driven operation near the Karachi–Hyderabad Toll Plaza.
The vehicle (Reg No BF-7199) was intercepted after information indicated it was smuggled. The occupants of the vehicle failed to produce any lawful import documents, and initial inspection revealed suspicious welding marks around the bonnet, front bumper, and side fender areas.
These irregularities prompted a deeper examination, during which Customs Officers discovered concealed packets suspected to contain mobile phones.
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The vehicle was shifted to the Custom House Karachi for a detailed inspection, where five specially created cavities were found inside the Prado. From these hidden compartments, 564 assorted brand mobile phones, including Google Pixel and Motorola models, worth Rs. 64 million, were recovered. A subsequent forensic report confirmed that the Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado worth approximately 32 million, was itself tampered and non-duty-paid.
Customs authorities have seized both the vehicle and the mobile phones under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1969, citing serious violations of customs and import laws. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway to track the network involved in the smuggling attempt.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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