Pakistan Customs successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle more than 15,465 mobile phones, primarily Android devices, valued at Rs/ 446 million, from China into Pakistan via the Khunjerab Pass border crossing.

The mobile phones, along with other goods, have been seized, and a smuggling case has been registered. According to a report submitted to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Customs officials at the Sost Dry Port received intelligence about a truck, numbered GLTE 1257, carrying smuggled mobile phones and other valuable items.

The truck had crossed into Pakistan from China through the Khunjerab Pass and was reportedly parked on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) near the Dehi area, possibly awaiting nighttime offloading.

Assistant Collector of Customs at Sost Dry Port, Imtiaz Shigri, dispatched a team to inspect the truck, which was found parked roadside at Barkhoon near Dehi, with no one in sight. Local residents informed the team that an unknown individual had left the truck, claiming it had a mechanical issue that required a mechanic.

The Customs team transported the truck to the Sost Dry Port for safekeeping. As no one came forward to claim the vehicle or its contents, a notice was issued via the Sost Dry Port notice board and the Baggage Section, requesting the unknown importer to submit the truck’s documents to the Customs Office within 15 days. Failure to comply would result in legal action.

With no response received by the deadline, the Assistant Collector of Sost Dry Port organized a team for a physical examination of the truck’s contents. The inspection revealed a total of 15,465 mobile phones, including 8,365 smartphones (brands such as iPhone, Oppo, Vivo, One-Plus) and 7,100 bar phones, along with other non-duty paid goods. The total market value of these items is estimated at Rs 446 million. All goods have been seized by Pakistan Customs.