Tag: law enforcement

  • Pakistan Customs officials foil attempt to smuggle PKR 1.5 crore in gold and cash

    Pakistan Customs officials foil attempt to smuggle PKR 1.5 crore in gold and cash

    Customs officials made a significant seizure of gold and cash at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on Tuesday. 

    Acting on a tip-off, the officials intercepted a passenger scheduled to depart for Hong Kong on Thai Airways flight TG-342, suspected of carrying a substantial amount of undeclared valuables.

    Following the tip-off, Customs personnel conducted a thorough search of the passenger’s belongings, uncovering over $40,000 (PKR 11 million) in assorted foreign currencies, along with 21 tolas of gold coins and jewelry. 

    The combined value of the confiscated items is estimated to be approximately $56,000 (PKR 15 million).

    The detained passenger failed to declare the cash and gold, a requirement for amounts exceeding $10,000 (PKR 2.78 million), when leaving Pakistan, leading to allegations of money laundering and smuggling. An FIR has been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

  • Major ANF operation uncovers online drug trafficking ring, resulting in 11 arrests 

    Major ANF operation uncovers online drug trafficking ring, resulting in 11 arrests 

    In a significant revelation, drug trafficking operations conducted through online shopping platforms have come to light, resulting in the apprehension of 11 individuals in various cities across Pakistan. The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has been at the forefront of this enforcement effort. 

    According to the official spokesperson for the ANF, ongoing investigations have unearthed additional suspects connected to this illicit network, all of whom hail from different regions within the four provinces of Pakistan. 

    During the course of these operations, the ANF has successfully seized 33 parcels, containing a total of 53.7 kilogrammes of hashish, 1.6 kilogrammes of ice, and 1.2 kilogrammes of opium, dealing a severe blow to the illegal drug trade. 

    Reports of drug trafficking through online shopping platforms had been circulating for several months prior to these recent arrests.  

    The ANF’s spokesperson disclosed that a well-organised group had been exploiting registered companies on these platforms as a front for their drug smuggling activities. 

    Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that the ongoing investigation has revealed the existence of a far-reaching network of this criminal group, spreading its tentacles across the entire country.  

    As the investigation continues, concerns have been raised that employees of major e-commerce platforms may also be involved in this heinous act.  

    The full extent of their involvement remains under scrutiny as authorities work diligently to dismantle this dangerous network. 

  • PTA and FIA collaborate to bust illegal internet service providers 

    PTA and FIA collaborate to bust illegal internet service providers 

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), executed two highly effective operations in Sargodha targeting unauthorised internet service providers.

    The initial operation unfolded in the RB Block of Rose Valley Society, while the second operation was conducted at Burj-e-Umar Plaza on Mian Khan Road, as detailed in an official press release issued on Friday.

    During these operations, law enforcement apprehended one individual, and a range of equipment used by these illicit internet service providers, such as switches, routers, laptops, antennas, and more, was seized. These entities had been offering internet services without the requisite licence from PTA, both in Sargodha and its adjoining regions.

    These successful crackdowns against unauthorised ISPs became possible due to the unwavering commitment and persistent efforts of the PTA in monitoring and addressing the issue of illegal internet services. According to ARY News, this proactive approach aims to reduce financial losses to the national Treasury caused by tax evasion and revenue misreporting.

  • Karachi currency mafia suspected of hiding over $50 million in homes

    Karachi currency mafia suspected of hiding over $50 million in homes

    Amidst the ongoing nationwide efforts to combat currency smuggling, primarily involving US dollars, reliable sources have disclosed that over $50 million has been discreetly stored away by a network associated with illicit currency dealings in homes scattered across Karachi.

    These credible sources indicate that security agencies have meticulously compiled records from various banks and currency exchange establishments. They have meticulously assembled a comprehensive inventory of individuals engaged in the buying and selling of US dollars and other foreign currencies.

    It has come to light that individuals of considerable influence who acquired US dollars as a form of “investment” have yet to settle debts totaling more than $50 million.

    The individuals affiliated with this illicit currency network are predominantly situated in Karachi’s older districts, including Lyari, Kharadar, Mithadar, Clifton, Saddar, Bath Island, and DHA neighbourhoods.

    The authorities have already initiated targeted operations to search the residences of those involved in amassing substantial amounts of money, according to these sources.

    According to Geo News, these revelations follow a statement earlier in the day by Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, who reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to combating dollar and currency smuggling. He noted that 168 first-information reports (FIRs) had been filed against individuals involved in the unlawful trade of dollars.

    Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Bugti asserted that the state will take firm action against hawala, hundi, and other illicit activities.

    It is important to note that the caretaker government granted authority to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) last month to combat the smuggling of sugar and US dollars within the country.

    Subsequent to this government approval, the agency has been empowered to take necessary actions at all entry and exit points related to foreign currencies.

    As a result of the ongoing nationwide crackdown against hoarding and smuggling of foreign currencies, the value of the US dollar has depreciated by more than Rs18.

  • IG Punjab orders aggressive action against electricity thieves costing nation Rs600 billion annually 

    IG Punjab orders aggressive action against electricity thieves costing nation Rs600 billion annually 

    Inspector-General Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, has directed top police officials in Punjab, including Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), and District Police Officers (DPOs), to intensify efforts against anti-national and anti-social elements involved in electricity theft, which is causing a staggering annual loss of Rs600 billion to the national treasury. 

    In a special video message, Dr Usman Anwar emphasised that Punjab Police’s crackdown on electricity thieves has gained momentum, with over 1,000 cases registered daily, spanning the entire province, including Lahore. This financial loss surpasses the cumulative losses from 15 years of various crimes, such as dacoity and robbery, across Punjab. 

    According to Business Recorder, Dr Usman Anwar clarified that the scale of this theft far outweighs other criminal activities and assured that, following the directives of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Punjab, there will be no leniency for those involved in electricity theft. Offenders, regardless of their methods, will face legal consequences. 

    He expressed concern that innocent citizens must bear the financial burden of others’ theft, emphasising that no one will be allowed to rob citizens of their hard-earned money. Dr Usman Anwar urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement, district administrations, and relevant institutions by reporting electricity theft in their areas to accelerate actions against these elements harming the nation’s financial interests. 

  • Islamabad Police launches campaign to catch students bunking school and college

    Islamabad Police launches campaign to catch students bunking school and college

    Skipping school and college has become more challenging for students in Islamabad, thanks to the Safe City Command and Control Centre’s newly launched ‘School Chalo’ campaign.

    This initiative aims to locate and address students who are found outside of their educational institutions and roaming the streets or markets.

    Safe City cameras recently monitored over twenty students who were absent from school and college, located in entertainment venues, markets, and suburbs. 

    These students were subsequently escorted to police stations and reunited with their parents. Awais Ahmad, Capital Police Officer (CPO) Headquarters, highlighted the importance of students as the nation’s future and assured that Islamabad Capital Police would spare no effort to ensure their bright future.

    The proactive approach taken by Islamabad police in locating truant students and redirecting their focus towards education is commendable.

    This campaign serves as a protective measure for the youth, encouraging them to prioritise their studies and promising a brighter future instead of deceiving their parents.

  • Pakistani currency strengthens amid crackdown on smuggling

    Pakistani currency strengthens amid crackdown on smuggling

    The Pakistani rupee continued its upward trajectory against the US dollar, registering a 0.6 per cent appreciation in the inter-bank market on Monday.

    At precisely 2:15 pm, the rupee was quoted at Rs301.10, marking a notable increase of Rs1.85 within the inter-bank market.

    In the preceding week, the rupee exhibited a 0.83 per cent gain, concluding at 302.95 in its exchange rate against the US dollar within the inter-bank arena. However, this performance is only part of a larger narrative, as the gap between the inter-bank and open market rates underwent a substantial reduction.

    This shift occurred in conjunction with reported measures taken to combat smuggling and speculative activities, leading to a remarkable turnaround for the currency after it had reached a record low just the previous Tuesday.

    The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) initiative to fortify controls over Exchange Companies, coupled with reports of the army chief’s intervention and the deployment of law-enforcement personnel at currency dealer outlets, played pivotal roles in the rupee’s resurgence.

  • Karachi police seizes smuggled Iranian diesel worth nearly Rs1 crore

    Karachi police seizes smuggled Iranian diesel worth nearly Rs1 crore

    On Sunday, Karachi police successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle Iranian diesel valued at Rs9.6 million into the city. 

    According to ARY News, during an operation in Orangi Town, the police confiscated an oil tanker carrying 31,000 liters of Iranian diesel with the same estimated value. 

    Two individuals, Muhammad Qasim and Muhammad Yaseen, were apprehended and subsequently handed over to Pakistan Customs authorities.

    On Friday, the Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, issued strict instructions to customs authorities and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in combatting the smuggling of sugar, petroleum products, urea, agricultural items, and other commodities. 

    These directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the caretaker premier, which included the presence of Caretaker Federal Minister for Trade Gohar Ejaz, Minister for Interior Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Minister for Petroleum Muhammad Ali, Advisor to the PM Ahmed Cheema, federal secretaries, the Federal Board of Revenue chairman, and senior officers from law enforcement agencies.

  • Nearly 1,000 smartphones and high-tech gadgets seized by Customs at Faisalabad Airport

    Nearly 1,000 smartphones and high-tech gadgets seized by Customs at Faisalabad Airport

    According to reliable sources, customs officials at Faisalabad Airport recently intercepted a significant shipment of smuggled smartphones, drone cameras, and related accessories valued at millions of currency units. This operation led to the arrest of three suspected smugglers upon their arrival from Sharjah to Faisalabad.

    During the inspection of the passengers’ luggage, the customs officials discovered and seized 971 smartphones, 78 iPods, a drone camera, and gaming hardware concealed cleverly within their bags and shoppers.

    In a separate incident at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) apprehended a passenger named Abdul Razzaq, who had just returned from the UAE. The FIA spokesperson disclosed that the accused, Abdul Razzaq, was a wanted criminal in Punjab, specifically in connection with a murder case. Subsequently, the FIA handed over the suspect to the local police for further legal proceedings.

    Moreover, a few days prior to this incident, customs officials successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle iPhones at Sialkot Airport. The authorities seized 30 smuggled iPhones worth nearly Rs100 million from a passenger named Adeel, who had arrived from Sharjah on flight number PK-210. Notably, the accused, Adeel, was identified as an employee of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Investigations revealed that he was involved in the distribution of smuggled smartphones to Karachi and Lahore.

    Additionally, the customs officials disclosed that the accused PIA flight steward, Adeel, had an accomplice named Ali Ahmed, who was also part of the smartphone smuggling operation. Both individuals were employed by PIA.

    These actions by customs officials and law enforcement agencies demonstrate their commitment to curbing smuggling activities and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

  • Seven arrested for renting smartphones to minors for online games and obscene content

    Seven arrested for renting smartphones to minors for online games and obscene content

    A total of seven individuals have been apprehended in the Faqirabad area of Peshawar for their involvement in renting out smartphones to children.

    The suspects allegedly facilitated the children in playing online games, including PUBG, and accessing explicit videos at their establishments, according to the police.

    The law enforcement authorities took action following the circulation of a viral video on social media that depicted children utilizing smartphones.

    Subsequently, a raid was conducted at two shops in the vicinity, resulting in the confiscation of 45 phones. These shops were found to be renting out smartphones for Rs60 per hour.

    Yesterday, three of the suspects were arrested, and an additional four were apprehended based on information provided by the initially detained individuals.

    The police have sealed the shops to discourage similar operations and have initiated an investigation into the matter, alongside registering a case.