Three launches intercepted in major Customs operation; total seizure valued at over Rs784 million.
The Customs Enforcement Karachi on Monday said it had foiled a major attempt to smuggle Iranian high-speed diesel into Pakistan through Balochistan’s maritime borders, seizing three diesel-laden launches in what officials described as the agency’s largest petroleum-related seizure to date.
According to a statement, the Marine Enforcement Unit of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Karachi intercepted the vessels during a targeted operation in the open sea near Sonmiani, Phor, and Sapat.
The launches were found to be carrying more than 132,000 litres of Iranian diesel, allegedly being smuggled into Pakistani territory in violation of customs and petroleum regulations.
“The action was carried out on the basis of credible intelligence and is part of an ongoing anti-smuggling drive along Pakistan’s coastal belt,” a senior Customs official said.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said the market value of the confiscated diesel stood at approximately Rs30.3 million, while the three launches were worth an estimated Rs45 million. The combined value of the seizure was placed at Rs784.81 million, the statement added.
Major maritime anti-smuggling action
Customs officials said the intercepted vessels were part of a well-organised network attempting to bring petroleum products into the country without legal clearance, thereby evading taxes and duties.
The seizure marks a significant development in the agency’s efforts to crack down on petroleum smuggling, which authorities say poses both economic and environmental risks.
“This is the largest seizure in terms of petroleum product volume by any Customs marine unit in Pakistan,” the statement noted.
Authorities said that further investigations are underway to determine the individuals and networks behind the smuggling attempt.
Petroleum smuggling, particularly of Iranian-origin diesel and petrol, has long remained a challenge along the Makran Coast and adjacent maritime areas, with periodic crackdowns by Customs, Coast Guard, and other enforcement agencies.
The latest seizure follows a series of operations in recent months targeting illicit fuel trade routes, especially those originating from or transiting through Iranian waters.
Officials said that surveillance and monitoring capabilities of the Customs Marine Unit had been significantly enhanced to support real-time intelligence sharing and interdiction.
