ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Customs has foiled two attempts to smuggle 20,000 kgs of Chinese salt and 3,040 kgs of betel nuts worth approximately Rs35.5 million.

An official statement from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said that the seized Chinese salt was valued at Rs20.5m, while the consignment of betel nuts carried an estimated worth of Rs15m.

The collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Karachi, has foiled an attempt to smuggle 20,000 kg of Chinese salt (Monosodium Glutamate) mis-declared as citric acid, seizing goods during a targeted operation at A-One Godown, Walika Chowrangi.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Anti-Smuggling Organisation (ASO) conducted a raid at Shed No. 9 of M/s United Traders, where several bags marked as citric acid were recovered. Initial inspection revealed that a large number of bags contained Chinese salt, identified through its distinctive smell and taste, while others contained genuine citric acid.

The custodian presented GD No. GWRI- HC-1444-10-11-2025, declaring the entire consignment as citric acid imported from Iran. A detailed examination confirmed the misdeclaration, leading to the recovery of 800 bags of Chinese salt (each 25 kg) and 100 bags of genuine citric acid (each 25 kg).

Meanwhile, the Multan Customs enforcement team foiled a major smuggling attempt and seized smuggled betel nuts along with a truck.

The Customs Enfor­cement team in Dera Ghazi Khan has foiled a major smuggling attempt, seizing 3040 kg of smuggled betel nuts valued at approximately Rs6 million.

The contraband in 80 bags was hidden beneath the coal.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2025