Pakistan Customs Enforcement seized 564 smuggled mobile phones from a non-custom-paid Toyota Land Cruiser intercepted at the Karachi–Hyderabad Toll Plaza, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The vehicle was stopped when officers asked the driver to produce its registration documents—requests he failed to meet. Officials said the SUV appeared tampered with, and its bodywork raised further suspicion.
A detailed search led to the discovery of five concealed compartments built into the vehicle. According to investigators, the phones were expertly hidden around the fenders and bumper, making detection difficult during routine checks.
Collector Customs Moinuddin Wani said the concealment showed “exceptional technical effort,” adding that all 564 phones of various brands, valued at Rs34 million, had been confiscated.
The non-custom-paid Land Cruiser, estimated to be worth Rs20 million, was also impounded. Customs officials said a criminal case has been registered, and investigations are under way to identify the network behind the smuggling attempt.
