ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has thwarted two major smuggling attempts involving 20,000 kilograms of Chinese salt and 3,040 kilograms of betel nuts, collectively valued at around Rs35.5 million, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said on Friday.
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According to an official statement, the seized Chinese salt — misdeclared as citric acid — was worth Rs20.5m, while the betel nuts carried an estimated value of Rs15m. Both operations were conducted on the basis of actionable intelligence shared with enforcement teams.
In Karachi, the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement intercepted a consignment at A-One Godown, Walika Chowrangi. The Anti-Smuggling Organisation raided Shed No. 9 of M/s United Traders, where several bags labelled as citric acid were recovered. On inspection, officers detected the distinctive smell and taste of Chinese salt, confirming misdeclaration. A detailed examination led to the seizure of 800 bags of Chinese salt and 100 bags of genuine citric acid.
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In another successful operation, Multan Customs Enforcement intercepted a truck in Dera Ghazi Khan and recovered 3,040 kg of smuggled betel nuts concealed beneath coal. The consignment, packed in 80 bags, was valued at approximately Rs6m. Officials said strict action will continue against smugglers to curb the inflow of prohibited goods.