Pakistan Customs successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle 15,465 mobile phones, predominantly Android devices, worth Rs446 million from China into Pakistan via the Khunjerab Pass. The mobile phones, along with other non-duty paid goods, were seized at Sost Dry Port, and a smuggling case has been registered.
According to a report submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Customs officials at Sost Dry Port had received intelligence about a truck, bearing registration number GLTE 1257, that had crossed the Khunjerab Pass border loaded with smuggled mobile phones and other valuable items. The truck was reported to be parked along the Karakoram Highway near the Dehi area of Khunjerab Pass, likely waiting for the goods to be offloaded under the cover of night.
Assistant Collector of Customs at Sost Dry Port, Imtiaz Shigri, immediately dispatched a team to inspect the vehicle. The truck was found abandoned on the roadside at Barkhoon near Dehi, with no driver or any other individuals in sight. Local residents informed the team that the driver had mentioned a mechanical fault with the truck before leaving.
The vehicle was towed to Sost Dry Port for safekeeping, and a notice was issued to the unknown importer, instructing them to provide the necessary documentation within 15 days. After receiving no response, the Assistant Collector formed a team to conduct a detailed inspection of the goods inside the truck.
The inspection revealed a total of 15,465 mobile phones, including 8,365 smartphones and 7,100 bar phones. Other non-duty paid goods were also discovered, bringing the estimated market value of the seized items to Rs446 million.
Pakistan Customs has seized the goods and continues to investigate the smuggling network involved in the case.
