News Desk
Quetta: Railway Police Quetta Division successfully thwarted two major Iranian currency smuggling attempts within just two days, seizing foreign currency worth over Rs 2.26 billion and arresting two suspects during separate operations at Quetta Railway Station.
According to officials, the first operation was conducted by a police team led by SHO Muhammad Shehbaz during routine checking on the Jaffar Express. The suspect, identified as Muhammad Zafar Iqbal from Nankana Sahib, was found transporting Iranian currency worth Rs 1.7 billion, cleverly hidden inside date boxes. The accused failed to produce any legal documents or license and was immediately taken into custody.
In a second operation carried out on April 19, Railway Police intercepted another suspect, Syed Anjum Raza Kazmi from Lahore Cantt, during a security check at Quetta Railway Station. Authorities recovered Iranian currency worth Rs 560 million concealed beneath items in his shoulder bag. He also lacked legal authorization for carrying foreign currency.
Both suspects, along with the recovered currency, were handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation. FIRs have been registered, and authorities have launched a detailed probe to uncover the broader smuggling networks.
SHO Muhammad Shehbaz stated that Railway Police teams remain on high alert, especially on long-route trains like Jaffar Express, which are often targeted for illegal activities such as currency smuggling. He added that these timely actions have potentially disrupted major smuggling networks operating between Balochistan and Punjab.
Experts suggest that Iranian Rial smuggling in Pakistan has increased recently, with the currency being transported across borders and used in underground markets in major cities like Lahore and Karachi. Smugglers are increasingly adopting new concealment methods, including hiding cash in everyday items like food boxes and luggage.
Railway authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies to help combat illegal financial operations and ensure passenger security.
