Two arrested as police foiled bid to smuggle Iranian currency worth over Rs2bn

Railway Police Quetta Division on Sunday foiled two major attempts to smuggle Iranian currency within a span of just two days, arresting two suspects and recovering currency worth billions of rupees.

According to a statement issued by the Railway Police, officials recovered Iranian currency worth Rs1.70 billion in one case and Rs560 million in another.

"Both suspects were arrested on the spot for failing to produce any legal licence or documentation and were later handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) along with the recovered currency," said the statement.

It added that in the first operation, carried out during routine checking at Quetta Railway Station, a team led by Inspector/Station House Officer Muhammad Shahbaz searched a passenger travelling on the Jaffar Express.

"The suspect, identified as Muhammad Zafar Iqbal was found attempting to smuggle Iranian currency concealed in crates of dates, allegedly destined for Lahore. During the search, currency worth Rs1.70 billion was recovered. The accused failed to produce any valid permit," read the statement.

Railway Police subsequently handed over the suspect, along with the recovered currency and material, to FIA CBC Quetta, where he was taken into custody for further investigation.

In another operation conducted at Quetta Railway Station under the supervision of SHO Muhammad Shahbaz, a suspicious passenger was intercepted.

The suspect, identified as Syed Anjum Raza Kazmi was found carrying Iranian currency worth Rs560 million concealed beneath a shoulder bag. He also failed to present any legal documents.

"He was arrested on the spot, and the recovered currency was handed over to FIA Quetta for further legal proceedings. First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in both cases, said the statement," said the statement from railway police.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Shahbaz said the railway police remain on high alert at all times, particularly on long-route trains such as the Jaffar Express, where smuggling attempts are frequently made.

“Our timely action foiled the possible plans of two major networks,” he said, adding that the suspects belonged to different areas of Punjab and were attempting to smuggle Iranian currency from Balochistan to Punjab. 

He said FIA would now investigate to uncover the wider network.

The Railway Police Quetta Division’s recent operations, officials said, highlight both professional efficiency and heightened vigilance, sending a strong message against currency smuggling while ensuring passenger security.

Railway authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity or luggage to the Railway Police or FIA immediately.