By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan Customs Enforcement Lahore has destroyed contraband, expired and hazardous goods worth more than Rs1.18 billion, marking another major milestone in its ongoing campaign against smuggling and illicit trade under the leadership of Collector Agha Saeed Ahmad.
The destruction operation was carried out on June 29, 2026, in accordance with legal provisions and under the supervision of a duly constituted committee. The exercise was monitored by Additional Collector Naveed ur Rehman Bugvi, alongside senior customs officers and representatives of relevant government departments, ensuring complete transparency and compliance with legal procedures.
According to Customs officials, the operation covered goods stored at TNB-I State Warehouse, Katar Bund (KBR) State Warehouse, Allama Iqbal State Warehouse and Gujranwala State Warehouse, where items had been declared fit for destruction after completion of all legal formalities.
A total of 71 seizure lots, with an estimated market value of approximately Rs1.18 billion, were destroyed.
The destroyed inventory included smuggled cigarettes, sheesha (hookah) flavours and accessories, betel nuts (supari), expired food products, expired milk and whey powder, monosodium glutamate (MSG), chemicals, cosmetics, personal care products, almonds, walnuts and other miscellaneous contraband and expired goods that were unfit for human consumption.
The destruction drive was conducted under the supervision of Additional Collector Naveed ur Rehman Bugvi, with operational support from Deputy Collectors, Assistant Collectors, Superintendents, Inspectors and enforcement staff of the Collectorate, reflecting the department’s coordinated approach towards eliminating illegal goods from the market.
Officials said the destruction exercise forms an integral part of Pakistan Customs’ enforcement strategy aimed at ensuring confiscated goods never re-enter commercial markets. Products that are prohibited, hazardous, counterfeit or expired are destroyed strictly in accordance with customs laws after completion of all codal requirements.
The latest operation also reflects the aggressive enforcement policy pursued by Collector Agha Saeed Ahmad, who has adopted a zero-tolerance approach against smuggling, narcotics trafficking and illegal cross-border trade. Since taking charge of the Collectorate, he has strengthened intelligence-based operations, expanded surveillance and enhanced coordination with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised smuggling networks.
Working under the Collector’s leadership, Additional Collector Naveed ur Rehman Bugvi has played a key role in overseeing enforcement operations, monitoring investigations and ensuring the timely disposal of confiscated goods in accordance with legal procedures. Senior customs officers have intensified field operations across Lahore and adjoining districts to prevent the movement of smuggled goods and narcotics through Punjab.
During the current financial year, Customs Enforcement Lahore has significantly increased seizures of non-duty-paid goods, narcotics and prohibited items. Officials say enhanced intelligence sharing, targeted raids and strengthened enforcement have disrupted several smuggling channels while protecting government revenue and legitimate businesses.
Customs authorities maintain that smuggling not only causes billions of rupees in losses to the national exchequer but also threatens public health through the circulation of expired, counterfeit and hazardous products. The department’s ongoing crackdown is aimed at safeguarding consumers, supporting lawful trade and creating a level playing field for tax-compliant businesses.
Collector Agha Saeed Ahmad has directed enforcement teams to continue pursuing organised smuggling syndicates without compromise while ensuring all actions remain fully compliant with the law. The Collectorate is also maintaining close coordination with other federal and provincial agencies to combat narcotics trafficking and other forms of organised crime.
Officials said the destruction of such a large quantity of seized goods sends a clear message that Pakistan Customs will not allow smugglers or narcotics traffickers to exploit domestic markets or undermine the national economy.
Pakistan Customs Enforcement Lahore reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics campaign, disrupting illicit supply chains, protecting government revenue and preventing hazardous and illegal products from reaching consumers.
