Smuggling operations involving liquor and mobile phones are thriving right under the noses of Customs authorities at Lahore airport. Rather than taking action against the perpetrators, the authorities seem to be facilitating the smuggling activities.
Additionally, the Customs Intelligence officials, tasked with monitoring such crimes, have remained silent, raising concerns about their involvement.
In a recent smuggling incident, over 70 bottles of liquor were discovered in the possession of two female passengers at Lahore airport. Surprisingly, the concerned Customs authorities did not take any action against the carriers and allowed them to leave without consequences.
When questioned about the matter, Deputy Director of Customs at Lahore airport, Raja Bilal, stated that the quantity of seized liquor was not sufficient to warrant legal action or arrests. He mentioned that a commercial quantity of liquor, valued at 1.3 million rupees, is required to initiate a case.
Similarly, the Additional Director of Customs Intelligence revealed that no report had been prepared or forwarded to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) regarding the incident. He noted that a case could only be registered if the seized items were valued at a minimum of 5 million rupees.
This incident highlights the alarming prevalence of smuggling activities at Lahore airport and raises questions about the effectiveness of Customs enforcement measures. The saga continues with a reminiscent tale involving renowned actress Atiqa Odho, who faced charges for carrying two bottles of liquor in her baggage at Benazir Bhutto Airport in 2011.
Despite landing in the same predicament nine years later, she was eventually acquitted of the charges in 2020. Meanwhile, Lahore airport has witnessed a surge in incidents involving mobile phone and liquor smuggling over the past two months. Notably, a significant consignment of mobile phones was seized based on intelligence agency leads.
Sources alleged collusion between passengers carrying such items and Customs officers, who often facilitate their clearance. However, occasional disruptions due to weather or altered flight schedules can lead to seizure.
Additionally, leaked information or interference from other agencies can thwart smuggling attempts. The involvement of long-serving customs officers at Lahore airport, allegedly linked to smugglers, further complicates the situation.
