QUETTA, September 25 — Pakistan Customs has seized 6.162 kilograms of gold bars worth approximately Rs250 million in Balochistan after foiling an alleged cross-border smuggling attempt, officials said on Friday.
The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Quetta said the seizure was made by personnel of the Field Enforcement Unit (FEU) Sheela Bagh on September 21 with assistance from the Frontier Corps (FC).
According to Customs, enforcement personnel acted on intelligence and intercepted the suspected smuggling attempt in the border region, recovering the gold bars.
The seized gold has been deposited at the State Warehouse in Quetta in accordance with prescribed procedures.
An FIR has also been registered and further legal proceedings are underway.
Customs officials said the operation was part of an intensified intelligence-based anti-smuggling campaign being conducted across Balochistan.
Enforcement has been stepped up along major highways, at entry and exit points, Field Enforcement Units and routes identified by authorities as sensitive to smuggling.
Officials said increased vigilance at the Sheela Bagh enforcement unit and coordination between Pakistan Customs and the Frontier Corps helped authorities intercept the consignment.
The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Quetta said operations against cross-border smuggling would continue in coordination with law-enforcement and security agencies.
It said the campaign was aimed at curbing illicit trade, protecting legitimate businesses and preventing losses to government revenue.