Pakistan Customs Seize 15,465 Smuggled Mobile Phones at Khunjerab Pass
On September 18, Pakistan Customs authorities successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle 15,465 mobile phones, mostly Android devices, valued at PKR 446 million from China into Pakistan via the Khunjerab Pass border crossing.
According to a report submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Customs officials at the Sost Dry Port received intelligence about a truck, identified as GLTE 1257, carrying smuggled mobile phones and other high-value goods. The truck had entered Pakistan from China and was parked on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) near the Dehi area of Khunjerab Pass, potentially waiting to unload its cargo during the night.
Assistant Collector of Customs at Sost Dry Port, Imtiaz Shigri, dispatched a Customs team to investigate the truck, which was found abandoned on the roadside. Local residents revealed that an unidentified individual had left the truck, claiming it had a mechanical issue.
The Customs team transported the truck to Sost Dry Port, where it was secured. A public notice was issued requesting the unidentified importer to present the necessary documents for the truck within 15 days. With no response received, a physical examination of the truck’s contents was conducted, revealing a total of 15,465 mobile phones, including 8,365 smartphones (such as iPhone, Oppo, Vivo, One-Plus) and 7,100 bar phones, alongside other non-duty paid items.
Legal action is being pursued as stipulated by law.
Doubts Revealed
Pakistan Customs -: Pakistan Customs is a government agency in Pakistan that checks goods coming into the country to make sure they are legal and taxes are paid.
Smuggled -: Smuggled means bringing something into a country secretly and illegally, without paying taxes or following the rules.
Khunjerab Pass -: Khunjerab Pass is a high mountain pass on the border between Pakistan and China. It is one of the highest paved roads in the world.
PKR -: PKR stands for Pakistani Rupee, which is the currency used in Pakistan.
GLTE 1257 -: GLTE 1257 is the registration number of the truck that was carrying the smuggled mobile phones.
Smartphones -: Smartphones are advanced mobile phones that can do many things like access the internet, take photos, and run apps.
Bar phones -: Bar phones are simple mobile phones that are mainly used for calling and texting, without many advanced features.
Legal action -: Legal action means taking steps according to the law to deal with a problem, like going to court or pressing charges.