Customs officials have thwarted a significant smuggling operation at the Taftan Border Terminal, confiscating over 11 million high-risk Methadone Hydrochloride tablets with an estimated street value of PKR 446 million.

The major seizure was made by the Customs Appraisement Collectorate, Taftan, during a surprise inspection. According to sources, officers noted unusual activity surrounding a container, which prompted a thorough examination. The search uncovered a massive haul of 620 cartons filled with the illicit pharmaceuticals.

The confiscated shipment contained approximately 11.16 million tablets of Iranian origin, each with a dosage of 40 mg. Authorities successfully apprehended one suspect, identified as Sikandar Hayat, as he was allegedly attempting to move the illegal drugs into a private vehicle.

During preliminary questioning, Hayat implicated Haji Amanullah, a Taftan-based importer, as the owner of the shipment. Amanullah is reportedly already under investigation for previous charges of mis-declaration and customs fraud. A second accomplice, named Asim, managed to evade capture and a manhunt is currently underway.

Methadone is a tightly controlled substance in Pakistan, listed under Schedule II of the Control of Narcotic Substances Rules, 2001. Its legal importation is strictly prohibited without a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Narcotics Control, which is issued only upon the recommendation of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997. Officials have confirmed that a full-scale investigation is in progress to capture the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire smuggling network.