A significant case of smuggling and large-scale corruption has emerged involving Iranian-origin dry milk and multiple officials at the Customs State Warehouse located at Kinar Band Road, Lahore. Following an investigation, a total of 7294 bags of dry milk were recovered from the warehouse. Out of these, 5002 were confirmed to be smuggled Iranian dry milk, while 1832 additional bags were found to contain adulterated substances such as powdered sugar, wood shavings, chalk powder, and flour, all disguised as dry milk to mislead authorities and profit illegally. The total value of these goods is estimated to be over Rs. 87 million, with evaded customs duties and taxes amounting to Rs. 57.2 million.
The case unfolded when authorities, based on intelligence and inconsistencies in official records, conducted a re-examination of goods associated with consignment number 78/79/2025. Initially, only 377 bags were documented in the seizure report. However, upon further scrutiny, it became clear that not only were 377 bags missing from the official report, but 1832 bags had been deliberately filled with low-value or worthless material to disguise the theft of genuine dry milk.
Among those named in the investigation are the primary accused, Asif Manzoor and Sajid Manzoor, both residents of Sheikhupura, who are believed to be the original owners of the seized goods. The involvement of multiple Customs officials, including Inspector Faisal Liaquat, Superintendent Muhammad Asfar, Lady Inspector Rida Hassan, and other warehouse personnel, highlights the depth of collusion within the system. These individuals allegedly conspired to misappropriate the high-value Iranian dry milk by replacing it with counterfeit contents and disabling security systems, including CCTV cameras, to avoid detection.
The fraudulent substitution and underreporting of goods resulted not only in a significant financial loss to the national treasury but also in a complete breakdown of trust in customs oversight. The stolen goods were systematically replaced in such a manner that only through a detailed audit and physical verification could the deception be uncovered. Authorities believe that the operation was carefully planned and executed by a group of officials and private individuals working in coordination.
The Customs Department has now formally lodged complaint No. 14/2025 dated 19 May 2025, based on the written statement of Superintendent Javed Iqbal. This complaint cites multiple violations under the Customs Act, 1969, including Sections 156, 178, and related provisions concerning smuggling, misappropriation of seized goods, and deliberate tampering with warehouse records and security protocols. The case has been handed over for further legal proceedings and investigation.
This incident underscores the critical need for stronger oversight mechanisms, technological upgrades for secure inventory tracking, and independent audits to prevent similar abuses of power. With high-ranking officials now under scrutiny, the case serves as a test for the government’s commitment to curbing institutional corruption and safeguarding public revenue. Accountability in this matter will not only recover stolen resources but also restore public confidence in the state’s ability to enforce laws without bias or exception.
