Cop held for 'aiding' iPhone smuggling bid

Sources say he was 'facilitating' passenger in phones smuggling from Sharjah

RAWALPINDI:

Pakistan Customs on Friday foiled an attempt to smuggle iPhones worth millions of rupees at the New Islamabad International Airport.

The suspects were attempting to smuggle expensive phones in connivance with a Special Protection Unit (SPU) official.

A case was registered and an investigation was launched against the accused and the SPU official, who was deputed to provide security to foreign visitors.

Sources said that the passengers of a private airline arriving from Sharjah were undergoing immigration and customs clearance. As passengers and luggage reached Conveyor Belt No. 1, SPU official Jalil Sajjad, who was responsible for foreigners' security at the airport, reached there.

He grabbed Peshawar-based passenger Hashim's shoulder bag and attempted to exit the international lounge without having the bag examined by the customs scanning machine.

After catching him doing the act, customs officials stopped him and found 41 iPhones in the bag.

Officials also seized boxes of mobile phones from a carton. After initial questioning, Jalil and Hashim were taken into custody.

Officials said that the investigation would uncover if anyone else was involved.

When contacted the SPU Airport in-charge said he was on leave. However, Rawalpindi SPU SSP Muhammad Shahid confirmed that an inquiry was underway and if the allegations were true, those involved would be removed from their jobs.