Indian medicines, other banned items worth millions seized at Torkham border

The district administration, under directives from the provincial government, conducted a major operation against smuggling at the Torkham Border, seizing millions worth of banned foreign cigarettes, Indian medicines, and paan from a warehouse, officials said on Friday.

The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner Landikotal Adnan Mumtaz and a special team from FC (North), took place late at night at Bacha Mena, near the Torkham Border.

"Over 12,000 packs of illegal foreign cigarettes stored in the warehouse were seized," said Deputy Commissioner Khyber Captain (retd) Sanauallah Khan. The warehouse also contained 272 packs of banned medicines, paan, and other items, he confirmed.

"The banned items, including cigarettes, were intended to be transported from the Torkham Border to Peshawar and other districts," added the deputy commissioner.

"Over 12,000 cigarette packs and 272 packs of other items have been taken into government custody, and legal action is being undertaken," he stated.

The district administration continues to carry out ongoing operations at joint checkpoints and the Torkham Border against the smuggling of sugar, urea, and other non-banned items, according to the deputy commissioner.