Pakistan Customs authorities at the Torkham border crossing have successfully foiled a major arms smuggling attempt in a timely and vigilant operation, reinforcing border security amid continued cross-border movement.
The seizure occurred during a routine inspection of a vehicle arriving from Afghanistan, when customs officials uncovered a large quantity of ammunition rounds and weapon magazines concealed inside specially designed hidden compartments of the truck. The recovery was made before the consignment could proceed beyond the border area, averting a potentially serious security incident.
According to customs sources, the vehicle was part of a category commonly used to transport household belongings of Afghan families residing illegally in Pakistan back to Afghanistan. Such vehicles often return empty, a pattern that smugglers may exploit to traffic arms, ammunition, and other prohibited items on the return journey.
The driver was arrested at the scene and subsequently shifted to jail for further interrogation. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to identify additional suspects and dismantle any broader networks linked to the smuggling attempt. Legal proceedings under relevant customs and anti-smuggling laws are currently underway.
Senior officials commended the alertness and professionalism of the customs staff, noting that enhanced screening, intelligence-led profiling, and inter-agency coordination have been intensified at key border crossings to counter evolving smuggling tactics.
Pakistan Customs reaffirmed its commitment to zero tolerance for illegal arms trafficking, emphasizing continued efforts to strengthen border controls and ensure that transit and trade facilities are not misused for unlawful activities.
