Customs seizes drugs worth Rs1b at Torkham border crossing

Customs officials at the Torkham border crossing, situated between Pakistan and Afghanistan, successfully intercepted a significant cache of illicit substances worth one billion rupees in an operation on Saturday.

Chief Collector Customs Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, in a press conference held at the customs house, revealed that acting on secret information about drug smuggling from Afghanistan, they managed to thwart a major trafficking attempt.

The operation unfolded when an empty truck entering from Afghanistan underwent rigorous scrutiny by customs officials. The thorough search led to the discovery of 14 kilogrammes of ice and 18 kilogrammes of heroin concealed within secret compartments of the vehicle.

Read also: Bid to smuggle weapons foiled at Torkham border

Subsequently, the truck driver was apprehended, and the confiscated drugs were presented to the media.

The Chief Collector Customs emphasised the gravity of the seizure, stating that the street value of the recovered narcotics in the international market is estimated to be around Rs1 billion.

This seizure adds to the ongoing efforts of the customs personnel, who, in the past month alone, have seized drugs worth one billion and 390 million rupees in and around the Torkham border area.

Heroin and ice seized from Torkham border crossing. PHOTO: EXPRESS

Highlighting the nexus between drug smuggling and terrorism, the Chief Collector pointed out that smugglers often collaborate with terrorist networks, which is the reason why many Customs staff have been martyred by terrorists while conducting anti-smuggling operations recently.

He further asserted that the proceeds from drug trafficking are frequently channelled into funding terrorism.