KARACHI: In a major crackdown against smuggling, the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement and the Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) have seized massive consignments of contraband, including smuggled Indian cosmetics and high-value narcotics, in separate operations across Sindh and Balochistan.
Customs Raid at Bolton Market
Acting on credible intelligence, the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) of Customs Enforcement conducted a targeted raid on February 10 and 11, 2026. The operation took place at illegal warehouses located in the Ferozwala Building near Bolton Market, Karachi. The recovery included a heavy quantity of smuggled Indian-made cosmetics with an estimated market value of approximately Rs. 40 million. Following the recovery, the goods were confiscated under Section 168 of the Customs Act, 1969, and a formal notice under Section 171 has been issued.
The operation was executed under the special directives of Collector Customs Enforcement Karachi, Moinuddin Ahmad Wani, and the Additional Collector, who praised the ASO team for their vigilance and discipline.
Major Drug Bust by Pakistan Coast Guards
Simultaneously, the Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) intensified their operations against drug trafficking in various regions of Balochistan. During routine inspections and targeted searches, the PCG successfully recovered large quantities of Hashish (Chars), Opium, and Silver. The global market value of these narcotics is estimated at $33.3 million, which exceeds Rs. 9 billion in Pakistani currency.
According to a PCG spokesperson, legal proceedings have been initiated regarding the seized narcotics and silver. The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs and curbing smuggling activities with full force.
