KARACHI: Through a press statement released by the Pakistan Custom Department, it was learnt that Customs seize 2,600 cigarette packets from the baggage of two pilgrims traveling for Umrah at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
How 2,600 Cigarette Packets were Seized by the Customs Official
These two individuals were about to board a private aircraft heading to Jeddah for Umrah when their belongings caught the attention of the customs officers as a result of the standard practice of luggage checking.
The luggage check then led the customs officers to carry out an intensive search on the belongings of the two people.The search then led to the discovery of 260 boxes containing cigarettes that amount to 2,600 packs in total. The cigarettes were seized as per the Customs Act, 1969.
Both Passengers Face Legal Action
After the discovery, legal processes were commenced against both of the passengers. The Pakistan Customs confirmed that efforts to stop any smuggle activities in Jinnah International Airport are still underway.
It was made clear by the officials that strict action will be taken against any person who transports any kind of illegal or un-declared goods through the airport. This is yet another addition to a number of such incidents which have been reported in the past few months from Jinnah International Airport.
Previous Marijuana Smuggling Case Shows Larger Trend
A day or two prior to when customs authorities were successful in Customs seize 2,600 cigarette from the two pilgrims, there was another incident that took place at the same airport where a larger smuggling case of marijuana was seized by the authorities.
This smuggling case involved 12 kilograms of marijuana, which is worth Rs362 million, smuggled through parcels received at the International Mail Office. The packages originated from Thailand, but were stated as having toys inside the packages. However, when authorities inspected the packages, they found the marijuana hidden in boxes filled with plastic toys, Lego pieces, toy car models, cut paper, and wooden blocks.
ALSO READ: Pilot Flew Airliners 17 Years Without License, Finally Arrested
International E-Commerce Raises Red Flags at FBR
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) associated this case of marijuana seizure with a wider trend being witnessed in international mail traffic. As per the FBR, there has been an increase in the volume of international e-commerce which has resulted in higher cross-border shipments. This has provided new avenues for criminal syndicates to exploit international mail traffic for illegal activities.
The Implication for Airport Security
The two examples above, the smuggling of cigarettes via passengers’ baggage and the trafficking of drugs via postal mail packages, provide an insight into the many ways that smugglers currently utilize to avoid customs checks at Jinnah International Airport. While one case involves the seizure of 2,600 packets of cigarettes by customs personnel, the other involves the interception of hidden narcotics.
Pakistan Customs has suggested that caution shall be maintained at both passenger arrival and mail handling terminals to ensure that the authorities remain proactive about any new developments in the world’s busiest international airport.
Nayab Fatima is a media professional specializing in fact-based journalism, research, and analytical reporting on technology, telecom, aviation, and automobiles.
