Customs seize 1,200kg of charas near M-2 toll plaza as suspects escape

The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Islamabad has seized around 1,200 kilograms of charas during an intelligence-based operation

ISLAMABAD:  The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement) Islamabad has seized around 1,200 kilograms of charas during an intelligence-based operation near the M-2 Motorway, while the suspected smugglers managed to escape from the scene, officials said.

According to official details, the Anti-Smuggling Squad of Customs Enforcement Islamabad conducted the operation near the M-2 Toll Plaza at around 2:30am on October 2, 2026, following information about the suspected transportation of narcotics.

During the operation, customs officials recovered approximately 1,200kg of charas, around 100kg of poppy seeds and a firearm. A non-customs-paid Toyota Prado, model 2005, allegedly being used to transport the contraband, was also taken into custody.

Officials said the driver and other suspected accomplices fled after noticing the presence of the customs team. Taking advantage of the darkness, the suspects reportedly abandoned the vehicle and escaped before they could be apprehended.

The seized narcotics and vehicle were subsequently taken into official custody for further legal proceedings.

According to the customs department’s initial assessment, the seized charas has an estimated international market value of approximately Rs5.40 billion. Including the value of the vehicle and other recovered items, the total estimated value of the seizure stands at around Rs5.41 billion.

Officials said the consignment was allegedly intended for distribution across several districts of Punjab. Destination names were reportedly written on the boxes containing the narcotics, which could assist investigators in tracing the intended distribution network.

An FIR has been registered against unidentified suspects under relevant provisions of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, and the Customs Act, 1969. Further investigation is underway to identify the people involved and determine the origin and intended recipients of the consignment.

The seizure has also brought attention to broader issues surrounding the handling of confiscated vehicles and goods following anti-smuggling operations.

Under the applicable procedure, officials said, the future disposal of a seized vehicle depends on its condition and legal status. If a vehicle is found to have a tampered chassis number, it may be allocated for government use, while vehicles that meet the relevant requirements can be offered for public auction.

The original report also raised allegations about proxy bidders and possible irregularities in the disposal of confiscated vehicles and storage of seized goods. These claims require verification and have not been established in the present case.

Questions have also previously been raised about the security and inventory management of government warehouses where confiscated goods are stored. Customs authorities are responsible for maintaining records and safeguarding seized items while investigations and legal proceedings are underway.

Collector Customs Enforcement Moinuddin Wani said the department had seized smuggled goods worth more than Rs4.59 billion between July 2025 and September 2026.

According to the official, the seizures during the period included 429 consignments and approximately 450 vehicles.

Customs Enforcement officials said intelligence-led operations would continue against smuggling networks. The department maintained that such operations are aimed at disrupting the movement of illegal goods and narcotics through major transportation routes.

The latest seizure near the M-2 Toll Plaza is now under further investigation as authorities work to identify the suspects who escaped and establish the wider network allegedly linked to the shipment.