A large-scale crackdown against non-custom-paid (NCP) vehicles has been launched across various districts of Balochistan.
The Excise Department in Quetta reported significant progress. Over 50 NCP vehicles were seized within a week. Most confiscations occurred in Mastung, Nushki, and Chagai.
Officials revealed additional efforts, stating that the profiling of 45,000 vehicles has been completed in four months. Moreover, this is part of ongoing efforts to regulate unauthorized transport.
In a recent update, an Excise Department spokesperson shared details with Balochistan Pulse. According to the spokesperson, the campaign began on January 21, 2025, and will continue for a month.
Meanwhile, authorities advise citizens to carry legal documentation for their vehicles to ensure compliance with the law.
The crackdown is set to expand to other districts shortly. Under the leadership of the Excise Department, joint teams comprising the district administration, customs, and police are executing the operation. As per government directives, the authorities will hand over all NCP, suspicious, and unregistered vehicles seized during the campaign to the Excise Department.
In addition to the ongoing vehicle crackdown, authorities have also intensified efforts against drug trafficking. The spokesperson emphasized that stringent measures have been initiated to curb the illegal trade of drugs, ensuring enhanced public safety across the province.
Major Anti-Smuggling Operations in the Region
The smuggling of goods to and from neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and Iran has long posed a significant challenge to Pakistan’s economy, as it continues to fuel a rampant black market. Notably, between 2014 and 2018, the volume of smuggled goods into Pakistan saw a dramatic rise, surging significantly from 3.88% to 11.25%.
In a series of recent high-profile operations, authorities have achieved substantial successes in curbing smuggling activities:
September 2, 2024: Customs Enforcement Quetta seized 1,637 tons of sugar from 15 trucks, estimated at one billion rupees.
September 3, 2024: Customs Enforcement Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan), with the assistance of local police, confiscated smuggled vehicles and goods worth 519 million rupees on Darbun Dara Zinda Road.
In another significant operation, authorities seized 218,000 litres of smuggled POL (Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants) and diesel, valued at approximately 137.6 million rupees.
Last week, Customs Enforcement Karachi intercepted 115,000 litres of smuggled Iranian diesel and 30,000 litres of petrol.
According to official reports, authorities recovered 4,847 kg of drugs from Balochistan last year. In 2024, the Pakistan Coast Guards successfully intercepted large shipments of smuggled Iranian diesel and narcotics, preventing the illegal transport of goods valued at over $73 million.
During intelligence-based operations, authorities seized a staggering 823,452 litres of illicit Iranian diesel, preventing its illegal entry into Pakistan.
Additionally, counter-narcotics efforts led to significant seizures. Authorities confiscated 135 kilograms of methamphetamine (meth ice). They also intercepted 652.5 kilograms of hashish. These efforts thwarted attempts to smuggle drugs within the country and internationally.
The government continues to crack down on smuggling networks. Intelligence-driven operations play a key role in these efforts. Authorities remain committed to ensuring economic stability. Security across the region is a top priority.
