ISLAMABAD: The Customs Appraisement Collectorate, Taftan, under the Office of the Chief Collector of Customs (Appraisement), Balochistan, successfully intercepted a major attempt to smuggle Methadone Hydrochloride, a high-risk drug of abuse, at the Taftan Border Terminal.
During a surprise inspection, officers noticed suspicious activity around a container and discovered 620 cartons containing approximately 11.16 million Methadone Hydrochloride tablets (40 mg each) of Iranian origin, with an estimated market value of PKR 446 million.
One suspect, Sikandar Hayat, was arrested while attempting to transfer the consignment into a private vehicle. He confessed that the shipment belonged to Haji Amanullah, a Taftan-based importer already facing charges of mis-declaration and customs fraud. Another accomplice, identified as Asim, managed to flee the scene.
Methadone is listed under Schedule II of the Control of Narcotic Substances (Regulation of Drugs of Abuse, Controlled Chemicals, Equipment and Materials) Rules, 2001, and its import is strictly regulated through a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the Ministry of Narcotics Control on the recommendation of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997. Customs authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspect and to determine if others were involved in the smuggling attempt.
Officials lauded the vigilance and professionalism of Taftan Customs officers, emphasizing that such proactive inspections are critical to preventing the illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs and protecting public health in Pakistan.
