Customs seizes 3 vessels carrying Iranian diesel

ISLAMABAD: The FBR’s Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Karachi, has captured three vessels carrying 132,564 litres of smuggled Iranian High-Speed Diesel (HSD) in a record-breaking marine seizure.

According to FBR’s announcement, the Marine Enforcement Unit of the Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Karachi, achieved a major breakthrough in its ongoing anti-smuggling drive by intercepting three vessels (wooden launches) involved in the smuggling of 132,564 litres of Iranian-origin HSD during the night between 9th and 10th October 2025.

The operation was initiated on the basis of credible intelligence report regarding the movement of smuggled petroleum products through the coastal route. Acting swiftly, a Marine Enforcement Team, comprising Preventive Officers, namely, Ayaz Ali and Saleem Yusuf, immediately left for the pointed locations in deep waters to launch a well-coordinated pursuit at sea. After spotting the targeted boats accurately in the areas of Somiani, Phor/Sapat interceptions were made one by one with professional excellence and once apprehended the boats were sailed towards ASO office at Karachi Port without any harm to human lives.

The seized diesel is valued at Rs33.14 million, while the three wooden launches are valued at Rs45 million, bringing the total value of the seizure to Rs78.14 million. This marks the largest single-operation recovery of POL products by the Marine Unit to date.

Earlier in September 2025, the Marine team conducted multiple successful operations near Ormara and Sonmiani Bay, resulting in additional recoveries of 18,271 litres and 29,272 litres of smuggled HSD, respectively. These consecutive actions highlight the Unit’s consistent progress, enhanced surveillance, and effective operational coordination, despite severe manpower and resource limitations.

The team’s dedication, vigilance, and professionalism have led to unprecedented results in countering organized maritime smuggling network.

The Collectorate of Customs (Enforcement), Karachi commends the exceptional performance of the Marine Enforcement Unit and reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Pakistan Customs’ maritime surveillance and enforcement capacity to safeguard national revenue and economic interests.