By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Lahore, has intensified its crackdown on smuggling, seizing non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles and goods worth over Rs 9 billion during FY 2024–25.
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The operation resulted in 256 major seizures, compared to Rs 6 billion worth of goods in 405 cases the previous year.
Officials said this year’s strategy shifted from quantity to value, targeting “mega smuggling strongholds” and focusing on dismantling the larger networks behind the illegal trade.
In the first two months of FY 2025–26 alone, the Collectorate has already seized Rs 760 million worth of vehicles and goods in 41 cases, signaling continued momentum.
Collector Enforcement Muhammad Saeed Watto praised his team’s dedication, saying: “Our officers and staff have worked day and night to deliver these results. The focus is not just on seizures, but on protecting Pakistan’s economy, revenue, and local industry from the menace of smuggling. This success is the outcome of teamwork, intelligence-based actions, and an unwavering resolve to curb this crime.”
The enforcement drive has been led by Collector Muhammad Saeed Watto, with Additional Collectors, Sima Ayaz, ACs Arsalan Mughal and Faisal Siddique, Superintendent Rashid Munir, and a strong field team including inspectors Ahmad Ch, Malik Fazal, Abdul Ghafar, Salman Ameer, Hafiz Usman, Fazal Bashir, Haroon Baig, M. Azeem, Meral Marton, M. Arfaq, Romail, Irfan Furqan and others.
The Collectorate reaffirmed its commitment to continuing strict vigilance, stressing that sustained operations will further weaken smuggling channels and strengthen the national economy.
