Pakistan Customs has seized cigarette packs from the luggage of two Umrah pilgrims at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. Officials said the operation prevented an alleged smuggling attempt before the passengers departed for Saudi Arabia.
According to a press release issued on Thursday, the two passengers were travelling to Jeddah on a private airline flight to perform Umrah. Customs officials became suspicious after unusual items appeared during routine baggage screening.
A detailed inspection of the luggage was carried out after the screening. During the search, officials recovered 260 cartons containing 2,600 cigarette packs hidden inside the passengers’ baggage.
Customs authorities immediately confiscated the recovered cigarette packs under the Customs Act, 1969. Both passengers were taken into custody, and legal proceedings have been initiated.
Officials said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to stop smuggling through Pakistan’s airports. They added that strict monitoring continues at Jinnah International Airport to detect undeclared or prohibited goods.
Pakistan Customs warned that anyone involved in illegal transportation of restricted items would face legal action. Authorities said airport surveillance and baggage inspections remain an important part of anti-smuggling operations.
The latest seizure comes just days after another major operation at the same airport. Earlier this week, Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle 12 kilograms of marijuana through the International Mail Office.
According to Customs, the suspicious parcels had arrived from Thailand. The shipment had been declared as containing toys to avoid attracting attention during inspection.
However, Customs officers carried out a detailed examination of the parcels. During the inspection, they discovered marijuana carefully hidden inside boxes of plastic toys, Lego sets, model kits, toy cars, cut paper, and wooden blocks.
Officials estimated the value of the seized marijuana at around Rs362 million. The concealment method appeared to be designed to bypass Customs screening procedures.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said the rapid growth of international e-commerce has increased the number of cross-border shipments. This has also created new opportunities for criminal networks to misuse postal and courier systems.
Authorities said smugglers are increasingly using creative methods to hide prohibited goods. Customs officials continue to strengthen inspection procedures to prevent illegal trade.
Pakistan Customs stated that operations at airports and international mail facilities will continue without interruption. Officials stressed that advanced screening technology and intelligence-based inspections are helping identify suspicious shipments.
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The recent seizure of cigarette packs and the earlier drug interception highlight the department’s ongoing campaign against smuggling. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing customs laws and protecting the country’s borders from illegal imports and exports.
