Pakistan Customs has arrested two Preventive Officers after a major smuggling scandal in which 400 kilograms of confiscated silver allegedly went missing and was replaced with lead during official transport from Quetta to Lahore.
According to officials, the officers were assigned to transfer 688 kilograms of seized silver to the Pakistan Mint in Lahore. The consignment was securely packed in 36 sealed boxes and transported via Pakistan International Airlines under official custody.
The incident came to light when the shipment was opened at the Pakistan Mint, where authorities discovered that a significant portion of the silver—around 400 kilograms—had been replaced with lead bricks. The fake material was reportedly packed and weighted in a way that closely matched the original consignment, suggesting a planned substitution during transit.
Officials further stated that CCTV footage from Safe City Quetta indicated possible tampering with the transport vehicle en route, raising suspicions of internal involvement in the theft.
Following the discovery, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered, and both officers involved have been taken into custody. Investigations are currently underway to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify any additional accomplices.
Pakistan Customs has reiterated its strict zero-tolerance policy against corruption and misconduct within the department, vowing strong disciplinary and legal action against all individuals found responsible.
