Gold, silver smuggling network busted

LAHORE:

Customs Enforcement Lahore has uncovered a major network involved in the domestic smuggling and distribution of gold and silver, arresting two suspects and seizing a large quantity of precious metals.

According to officials, Customs Enforcement has intensified its crackdown on smuggling operations across the region.

In recent months, the department has seized contraband worth billions of rupees during multiple targeted operations.

Acting on a confidential tip-off, authorities learned that a significant network smuggling gold and silver within Pakistan was operating actively in Lahore.

Following the intelligence, a special team intercepted a passenger bus arriving from Karachi and arrested two alleged smugglers transporting the precious metals to Lahore.

The suspects, identified as Farhan Ahmed and Naveed Khan, both residents of Karachi, were found in possession of 2 kilograms of gold and 35 kilograms of foreign-origin silver.

The seized consignment is estimated to be worth over Rs100 million.

Officials said the suspects were using intercity buses as a cover to avoid detection during transportation.

The operation was conducted on the instructions of Collector Enforcement Muhammad Saeed Wattoo.