Pakistan Customs Enforcement has seized 212 kilograms of hashish in a major intelligence-based anti-smuggling operation in Karachi, dealing a significant blow to an alleged narcotics trafficking attempt.
According to Customs officials, the operation was carried out by the Anti-Smuggling Organization (ASO) under the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Karachi.
Acting on credible intelligence, an ASO team stationed at the Superhighway Check Post attempted to stop a suspicious Toyota Premio near the Hassan Square Interchange on Lyari Expressway.
The vehicle did not stop and sped towards the Aga Khan Hospital area, prompting Customs officials to pursue it through the city.
Officials said the suspected vehicle collided with a Customs vehicle near National Stadium Signal during the chase. The Customs team also came under aerial firing allegedly from vehicles believed to be assisting the suspects.
Despite the resistance, Customs personnel continued the pursuit and eventually intercepted the vehicle near Aga Khan Hospital Signal.
A detailed search of the car later led to the recovery of 212 packets of hashish, with each packet weighing approximately one kilogram.
The seized narcotics, weighing a total of 212 kilograms, and the vehicle were taken into Customs custody for further legal proceedings.
Customs authorities said an FIR was being registered under the relevant laws as investigators worked to identify and trace those involved in the alleged smuggling network.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Customs Enforcement Karachi and its Anti-Smuggling Organization to target narcotics trafficking and other forms of illegal movement of contraband through intelligence-led enforcement.
Authorities have reiterated that operations against organised smuggling networks will continue across Karachi and other key transit routes.