Tobacco smuggling racket busted

An alleged organised smuggling network involving the illegal transportation of cigarettes and high-value tobacco products through the New Islamabad International Airport has been uncovered, prompting a major investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)'s Anti-Corruption Circle Islamabad.

Authorities have arrested a suspect and seized a large quantity of prohibited tobacco-related products. The suspect has reportedly confessed to being part of a well-organised smuggling network that has been operating through various airports for the past three years.

According to FIA officials, the suspect, identified as Sohail Ahmed, a resident of Karachi, arrived at the New Islamabad International Airport to board Saudi Airlines flight SV723 for Saudi Arabia. During immigration profiling, officials became suspicious after he failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding his frequent overseas travel within short intervals.

Following the initial scrutiny, authorities conducted a detailed search of his four checked-in baggage pieces. The search led to the recovery of a substantial quantity of cigarette cartons, saffron-flavoured tobacco products and other smoking-related items allegedly intended for illegal transportation abroad.