ISLAMABAD (APP) - Pakistan Customs on Monday arrested its two preventive officers identified as Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai on charges of collusion and suspected swapping of silver bullion with lead.
As per details shared by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in a news release, a team was deputed to deposit the seized 688 kgs of Silver at the Pakistan Mint, Lahore, as per laid-down rules and procedures on April 5, 2026.
Accordingly, the two officials, namely Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai, Preventive Officers, were deputed for the safe transportation of Silver, who took over the possession of Silver packed in 36 sealed boxes from the State Warehouse Quetta.
These boxes were loaded and reached Quetta International Airport, where all the boxes were delivered via PIA flight at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.
All the said sealed boxes were moved to Pakistan Mint Lahore, which were unpacked in the presence of both officials and staff of the Mint.
After thorough examination, it was revealed that 400kg out of 688 kg of silver bullion were reportedly fake (Lead instead of Silver). The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Quetta, constituted a team to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into the matter.
During the inquiry, it was revealed from CCTV footage of Safe City Quetta that the Preventive Officers Arif Ali Jumani and Samiullah Achakzai, who were responsible for the safe transportation of the Silver, deliberately swapped the vehicle carrying the original Silver Bullion with another vehicle carrying fake/Lead bricks of the same denomination.
Accordingly, an FIR has been lodged and both Preventive Officers have been arrested. Further legal proceedings and investigations are underway to determine the involvement of other persons/officials in the crime.