In a significant development, Pakistan Customs has apprehended two preventive officers from Quetta on allegations of misappropriating a silver shipment. The officers, Arif Ali Jumani and Sami Ullah Achakzai, were responsible for ensuring the secure transport of the consignment.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) revealed that 36 sealed boxes containing silver were entrusted to these officers for delivery. However, upon arrival in Lahore, the boxes were opened in the presence of staff, exposing a major fraud. Out of the total 688 kilograms of silver, 400 kilograms had been substituted with counterfeit material.
Further investigation, including analysis of Safe City camera footage, showed that the officers had switched vehicles during the transit. The probe confirmed that the genuine silver was deliberately replaced with lead. Following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), both officers were taken into custody.
Meanwhile, the investigation has been broadened to identify any additional individuals who may have been complicit in the crime. This case follows a recent interception by Pakistan Customs at the International Mail Office (IMO) of Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, where 79.18 kilograms of silver jewelry valued at Rs66.9 million were seized. These items, declared as fashion jewelry, were shipped from Hong Kong to a consignee in Rawalpindi.
Strict surveillance at the IMO enabled authorities to detect and confiscate the smuggled silver before it reached its destination. Officials noted that rising silver prices have led to an increase in smuggling attempts nationwide. However, this incident marks the first time such a substantial quantity of silver has been intercepted through the international mail system.
The FBR reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the national economy by taking stringent measures against all smuggling activities, including those conducted via international postal channels.
