Smugglers open fire on Customs officials during operation; officers remain unharmed.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Pakistan Customs successfully foiled a major drug smuggling attempt in Dera Ismail Khan, recovering over 15 kilograms of foreign-made crystal meth (ice) valued at approximately Rs910 million, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the operation was conducted by Customs enforcement personnel on a passenger bus, where the narcotics were found concealed inside specially designed inverters.

The FBR stated that the drugs were carefully hidden in compartments within the electrical devices, demonstrating a sophisticated smuggling method aimed at bypassing law enforcement checks.

However, as the seized narcotics were being transported to a government warehouse, unknown armed assailants opened fire on the Customs team in an apparent attempt to retrieve the contraband.

Despite the sudden attack, Customs officials responded promptly and professionally, ensuring that all team members remained safe. The officials managed to secure the seized ice and called for reinforcements.

Soon after, Pakistan Army and local police reached the location to provide immediate assistance and area security, while search operations were launched to trace the attackers.

The FBR spokesperson commended the Customs officers for their “courageous and professional response under fire”, emphasizing the department’s continued resolve to dismantle drug smuggling networks across the country.

Officials added that the seized narcotics have been transferred to the official warehouse and that further investigation is underway to determine the source and intended destination of the contraband.