Customs raid farmhouse and petrol pump near Karachi’s Northern Bypass, seize Iranian diesel

Customs and law enforcement agencies have conducted a joint operation at a farmhouse and petrol pump near Karachi’s Northern Bypass,

KARACHI: Customs and law enforcement agencies have conducted a joint operation at a farmhouse and petrol pump near Karachi’s Northern Bypass, recovering a large quantity of allegedly smuggled Iranian diesel from concealed storage facilities.

According to preliminary information and sources familiar with the operation, the premises were allegedly being used as storage and dumping points for Iranian diesel. Officials recovered the fuel from concealed tanks and other makeshift storage facilities before taking it into custody. Legal proceedings have also been initiated.

Sources further claimed that the farmhouse and petrol pump were allegedly linked to SHO Ghulam Hussain Korai. However, the reported ownership and any involvement in the alleged smuggling activity are subject to verification through official revenue and ownership records.

Details of the operation

The raid was conducted after intelligence indicated that a farmhouse and nearby petrol pump were allegedly being used to store smuggled fuel. Enforcement teams discovered underground tanks and other arrangements allegedly designed to conceal large quantities of diesel.

According to sources, the suspected operation involved a petrol station functioning as a legitimate business front while an approximately 1,000-square-yard farmhouse was allegedly being used for additional fuel storage. Investigators are examining the equipment, storage tanks and other material recovered from the premises.

The alleged connection of the facility with a serving police officer has also prompted questions regarding possible departmental responsibility. Any action against an official would depend on the outcome of the ownership verification and investigation.

The latest raid comes amid a broader crackdown on the illegal movement and storage of Iranian fuel along Karachi’s Northern Bypass and surrounding areas.

Previous seizures

In one earlier operation, Customs Enforcement Karachi reportedly seized 42,200 litres of Iranian diesel from a warehouse near the Northern Bypass. Officials also uncovered concealed tanks and temporary storage arrangements during the operation.

Another joint raid in the Mawach Goth and Hub Road area resulted in the recovery of more than 17,000 litres of alleged Iranian diesel from an underground storage facility. The associated petrol pump was reportedly sealed and two people were arrested.

In a separate operation along the Northern Bypass, enforcement teams reportedly seized 64,578 litres of illicit fuel from several dumping points allegedly operating under the cover of legal petrol stations.

Authorities have also reported seizures in other parts of Sindh, including approximately 50,000 litres of Iranian oil recovered from a flour mill in Sukkur’s Ali Wahan area.

Smuggling network under scrutiny

Investigators believe the alleged supply chain extends from border areas in Balochistan, with fuel transported through routes connecting Taftan, Pishin, Hub and Karachi. According to officials and sources, some consignments are allegedly transferred into concealed underground tanks before being distributed to different consumers.

The suspected network is also being examined for possible links with illegal financial channels used to settle payments for fuel consignments.

Authorities have previously intercepted tankers carrying large quantities of high-speed diesel on routes connecting Balochistan with Sindh.

Investigation continues

In the latest Northern Bypass case, the seized diesel remains in official custody while authorities verify the ownership of the farmhouse and petrol pump and investigate those allegedly involved in the operation.

If investigators establish that any public official facilitated smuggling or misused official authority, departmental and criminal proceedings could follow under the applicable law.

Customs authorities have indicated that enforcement operations against illegal fuel storage and smuggling networks will continue, with further raids expected in areas including the Super Highway and Hub River Road based on intelligence reports.

The ongoing operations are aimed at curbing fuel smuggling, protecting government revenue and preventing illegal operators from competing with businesses operating within the legal tax and regulatory framework.