Customs enforcement officers have seized 30 kilograms of silver valued at approximately Rs. 13.4 million during a targeted operation near Bawata in the tribal region of Dera Ghazi Khan.
According to officials, the operation was carried out by the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Multan, in coordination with local anti-smuggling units. Acting on credible intelligence, officers intercepted a passenger bus and discovered the silver hidden inside unclaimed luggage.
The seized metal lacked legal import or purchase documentation, confirming that it had been smuggled into the country. Authorities took the consignment into custody under the Customs Act of 1969 and launched a full investigation to trace the sources, transportation routes, and intended recipients of the smuggled goods.
A customs spokesperson said the department has intensified its crackdown against silver smuggling, which has risen sharply in recent weeks. The trend is being linked to the surge in global silver prices, which recently crossed Rs. 5,000 per tola.
The latest bust in Dera Ghazi Khan follows similar enforcement actions in Karachi and Quetta, where customs officials recently intercepted large quantities of smuggled silver and other high-value materials such as bullet-proof glass.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating smuggling and protecting national revenue. Officials emphasized that enhanced inter-agency coordination, intelligence-led operations, and daily monitoring of enforcement units are key strategies in this ongoing effort.
Authorities said that strict action will continue against those involved in smuggling activities, adding that such illegal trade not only harms the economy but also poses a serious threat to legitimate businesses.
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