37 smuggled iPhones worth Rs11.5mln seized at Lahore Airport

F.P. Report

LAHORE: A major attempt to smuggle high-value mobile phones was thwarted at Allama Iqbal International Airport on Thursday, as Customs officials seized 37 iPhones valued at approximately Rs11.5 million.

The operation was carried out by the vigilance team under the leadership of Assistant Collector Customs Simrah, alongside Superintendent Shahid Ali, with oversight from Collector Customs Airports Tayyeba Kayani.

The customs team, acting on specific intelligence provided by the Collector’s office, intercepted a passenger, identified as Umer Farooq, who had arrived from Sharjah on a Fly Jinnah flight.

Upon searching his belongings, the officials discovered the concealed smartphones, which had been brought into the country without the necessary declaration.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the recovered phones were destined for the black market, where their prices are significantly inflated due to the evasion of customs duties and taxes. Such illicit trade poses a threat to the national economy, depriving the state of crucial revenue.

In a statement, Collector Customs Tayyeba Kayani praised the vigilance and swift action of her team, reiterating their commitment to combatting smuggling activities and ensuring the protection of the country’s economic interests.

“We remain steadfast in our efforts to curb illegal trade, and this operation is a testament to the dedication of our officers,” she said.

The passenger, Umer Farooq, has been taken into custody, and authorities are continuing their investigation to identify additional individuals involved in the smuggling operation.