Lahore Airport Customs Seize Mobile Phones Worth Millions in Major Operations
Customs officials at Lahore Airport conducted two significant operations on Friday, seizing millions of rupees worth of mobile phones from a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) air hostess and two passengers.
PIA air hostess Nadia Batool was found in possession of 30 iPhones, valued at over Rs 11.2 million, hidden on her person and in her belongings. In a separate case, passengers Muhammad Arshad and Fariha Amin were found carrying mobile phones worth Rs 5.5 million in their luggage.
READ MORE: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Parts of Punjab Paralyzed for Third Consecutive Day Amid PTI Protests
All three individuals were arrested, and a case has been registered against them. In response, PIA has suspended the crew members of flight PK-204, which had arrived from Dubai to Lahore. This suspension follows an operation targeting air hostesses, as part of the airline’s strict policy against employee misconduct.
A PIA spokesperson confirmed that any employee involved in illegal activities would face severe consequences. The airline reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on such conduct, emphasizing that the involved crew members will be subject to strict disciplinary action.
In a related incident last month, customs authorities seized over two dozen iPhones from a passenger arriving at Islamabad Airport. Among the confiscated devices was the newly launched iPhone 16 Pro Max, valued at over Rs 500,000 in Pakistan.
Sources indicate that a passenger from Quetta, with the alleged assistance of customs staff, attempted to smuggle the phones into the country. However, the plan was foiled by vigilant customs officials.
