Karachi, October 10, 2025 – In a landmark operation, Pakistan Customs has confiscated the largest-ever quantity of smuggled oil in deep waters, marking a major success in the country’s ongoing anti-smuggling campaign.
According to an official statement, the Marine Enforcement Unit of the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Karachi, intercepted three wooden vessels engaged in smuggling 132,564 litres of Iranian-origin High-Speed Diesel (HSD) during a late-night operation between October 9 and 10, 2025. The swift and coordinated action was launched based on credible intelligence reports about the movement of smuggled petroleum products along Pakistan’s coastal route.
A specialized Marine Enforcement Team, led by Preventive Officers Ayaz Ali and Saleem Yusuf, immediately pursued the suspicious vessels in deep waters near Somiani and Phor/Sapat. Each vessel was intercepted with precision and brought safely to Karachi Port, ensuring no harm to human life or property.
The confiscated diesel is valued at approximately Rs. 33.14 million, while the seized wooden launches are estimated at Rs. 45 million, bringing the total seizure value to Rs. 78.14 million. This represents the largest single customs operation involving petroleum products by the Marine Unit to date.
Earlier in September 2025, customs authorities had carried out multiple successful operations near Ormara and Sonmiani Bay, recovering an additional 47,543 litres of smuggled diesel in separate actions. These consecutive achievements demonstrate the enhanced surveillance capabilities and operational efficiency of Pakistan Customs’ maritime enforcement teams.
The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Karachi, praised the dedication and professionalism of its officers, reaffirming its resolve to strengthen maritime surveillance and expand customs enforcement capacity. The department emphasized that such actions play a vital role in protecting national revenue, curbing illicit trade, and ensuring the integrity of Pakistan’s economic and maritime borders.