ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) staff member was caught attempting to smuggle expensive cellphones from Canada, sources said.
PIA flight steward Faisal Majeed was found carrying 16 high-end phones upon his arrival at Islamabad Airport on flight PK-782 from Canada.
Customs officials discovered the phones wrapped around his body during their routine inspection. Following the incident, Majeed was issued a show-cause notice, requiring a response within three days.
The notice stated, “Your actions have damaged PIA’s reputation,” and warned that failure to provide a satisfactory response could result in termination.
In a similar case in May 2023, Pakistan Customs intercepted an attempt to smuggle mobile phones worth millions at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
Acting on credible information, customs officials at the international terminal intensified screenings and detained a passenger arriving from Dubai.
Upon inspection, officials discovered over 35 mobile phones, including iPhone XS and X-Max models, valued at approximately Rs10 million.
The passenger was unable to provide proof of tax payment, leading customs to register a case against him.
