By Zardar Wazir
TORKHAM: Customs officials at the Torkham border foiled a significant arms smuggling attempt after discovering a large cache of ammunition during a routine inspection, authorities said.
The seizure took place when a truck arriving from Afghanistan was searched and several hidden compartments were found to contain rounds and magazines, highlighting the ongoing risks of illicit arms trafficking along the porous border. Officials noted that the vehicles involved in the smuggling were reportedly being used to transport the belongings of Afghan families living illegally in Pakistan.
These trucks typically return empty after delivering goods, making them a favored cover for moving contraband across the border. The discovery of such a substantial quantity of ammunition in what appeared to be a civilian vehicle underscores concerns about the exploitation of routine trade and family transport for illegal purposes.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against those implicated in the case, and investigations are ongoing to determine the network behind the smuggling attempt. Authorities emphasized that continued vigilance and coordination between border security, customs, and law enforcement agencies were essential to preventing similar incidents in the future.
The operation comes amid broader security concerns in the region, where the movement of arms and terrorists across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border has long posed challenges to law enforcement. Officials expressed hope that timely interventions such as this seizure would not only disrupt criminal networks but also reinforce public confidence in border security measures.
