Pakistan Customs successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle a significant cache of valuable iPhone sets, estimated to be worth approximately Rs130 million, at the Jinnah Terminal of Karachi Airport.
Acting on a tip-off, customs authorities thwarted the smuggling operation involving 168 precious iPhone sets. The authorities confiscated the iPhones from passengers arriving in Karachi on an Air Arabia flight from Sharjah.
Typically, travelers using the green channel during inbound customs procedures are subject to minimal checks, assuming they do not possess dutiable items. However, in this case, authorities discovered and arrested passengers who were attempting to bypass customs scrutiny by using the green channel.
Authorities suspect that the arrested passengers are part of an organized smuggling network, and investigations into their activities are currently underway.
This incident follows a similar interception earlier in the week when Pakistan Customs officials at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle iPhones worth millions into the country. In that case, the security forces apprehended three individuals returning from the Umrah pilgrimage with many iPhones, thanks to a prior tip-off.
Authorities revealed that organized smuggling networks often exploit individuals by convincing them to carry iPhones, promising them discounted airfare and financial incentives. The seized iPhones included models such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max.
In a separate operation, customs officials previously confiscated contraband valued at Rs61.8 million at Jinnah International Airport and detained four passengers. The consignment had been brought in from Dubai, UAE, underscoring the ongoing efforts of Pakistani authorities to combat smuggling and illegal trade activities at the nation’s airports.
