Two Pakistan Customs officials held for swapping silver with lead

Pakistan Customs arrested its two preventive officers namely, Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai on the charges of collusion and suspected swapping of silver bullions with lead, a statement said on Monday.

As per the details, a team was deputed to deposit seized 688kgs of silver in Pakistan Mint Lahore April 5, 2026.

“Accordingly, the two officials namely Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai, preventive officers were deputed for the safe transportation of silver who took over the possession of silver packed in 36 sealed boxes from the State Warehouse Quetta,” the statement read.

• Silver and lead are two different metals in terms of properties and uses. Silver is a precious metal known for its bright, shiny appearance and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It is widely used in jewelry, electronics, solar panels, and even coins due to its high value and resistance to corrosion. In contrast, lead is a heavy, soft, and dull gray metal commonly used in lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding, and some industrial applications.

The boxes were loaded and reached Quetta International Airport whereby all the boxes were delivered via PIA flight at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, it added.

“All the said sealed boxes were moved to Pakistan Mint Lahore, which were unpacked in the presence of both officials and staff of the Mint. After thorough examination it was revealed that 400kgs out of 688kgs silver bullions were reportedly fake (lead instead of silver).”

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The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Quetta constituted a team to conduct fact-finding inquiry in the matter. During the inquiry, it was revealed from the CCTV footage of Safe City Quetta that the Preventive Officers Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai, who were responsible for the safe transportation of the silver deliberately swapped the vehicle carrying original silver bullion with some other vehicle carrying fake/lead bricks of the same denomination.

“Accordingly, FIR has been lodged and both preventive officers have been arrested. Further legal proceedings and investigations are underway to determine involvement of other persons/officials in the crime,” the statement said.