Major tech haul from Dubai flight seized by Karachi Customs

Pakistan Customs officials have seized a significant quantity of iPhones, laptops, and other items from two passengers arriving from Dubai at Jinnah International Airport on Saturday.

During a routine inspection at the terminal, customs officials discovered the contraband with two passengers who had flown in from Dubai.

The operation, led by Deputy Collector Customs Faisal Khan, took place at the arrival terminal.

The passengers were attempting to pass through the green channel, which is designated for those with no dutiable goods, however, their suspicious behaviour prompted officials to redirect them to the red channel for scanning.

The passengers, identified as Shahroz and Sohail Amin, arrived on Fly Dubai flight 329.

Upon inspection, officials found 28 high-value iPhones concealed within their luggage and on their persons.

Additionally, the suspects were carrying 50 embroidered suits, 40 bottles of Prime drinks, and two expensive laptops.

Customs authorities have registered a case against the two passengers, seized the goods, and initiated further legal proceedings.

Earlier this year in March, it was reported that the Directorate Customs Intelligence Karachi, during its campaign against smuggling recovered smuggled goods worth millions of rupees in a period from July 2023 to February 2024.

Deputy Director Customs Intelligence Karachi Wasif Malik told The Express Tribune that in light of the instructions of DG Customs Intelligence Faiz Ahmed Chaudhary, smuggled items worth Rs100 million were seized in intelligence-based operations during February 2024 alone.