Customs Launches Inquiry After 400 Kg Silver Miraculously Turns Into Lead

An office order issued on April 15 by the Chief Collector of Customs (Enforcement) announced the formation of a three-member committee to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into reports of pilferage and suspected substitution of seized goods under the jurisdiction of the Quetta Collectorate.

The committee has been tasked with determining the circumstances surrounding the incident, identifying negligence or collusion, and fixing responsibility.

According to preliminary findings presented to authorities, a consignment of 698kg of seized silver was handed over on April 5 at Customs House Quetta to two preventive officers for onward transportation to the Pakistan Mint in Lahore.

The silver, packed in 36 sealed boxes, was divided between two vehicles: approximately 400kg was loaded into a private vehicle allegedly owned by one of the officers, while the remaining 298kg was transported in an official mobile squad vehicle.

Both vehicles departed the customs premises around midday and proceeded toward Quetta airport. However, a subsequent review of surveillance footage reportedly revealed that the private vehicle made an unscheduled stop at a location within the city.

Investigators say an identical vehicle was present at the site, and footage appears to show the officer and his driver switching vehicles before continuing toward the airport.

Despite the suspected diversion, the consignment was transported onward without any reported irregularities. The sealed boxes were flown to Lahore the same day, stored overnight in a secured airport facility, and delivered under escort to the Pakistan Mint the following morning.

The discrepancy surfaced only after the boxes were opened at the mint.

Officials there, following examination and laboratory testing, reported that approximately 400 bars weighing more than 390kg were not silver but lead.

Authorities stated that subsequent reviews of surveillance footage from Lahore airport, Safe City cameras, and the mint facility revealed no evidence of tampering, shifting the investigation’s focus back to events in Quetta.

Both preventive officers have since been taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

Officials familiar with the inquiry said investigators are examining whether the act was carried out by individuals acting alone or with the assistance of a broader network, and whether any procedural lapses occurred at the warehouse or during the sealing process.

The inquiry committee has been directed to submit its report within five working days and recommend measures to address procedural and security gaps in the handling of seized goods.

The incident has raised wider concerns within official circles regarding the integrity of existing custody and transport mechanisms for high-value confiscated items. Observers say the case could trigger a comprehensive review of protocols, particularly the use of private transport and verification of sealed consignments during transit.

This is a never ending story. All, I mean all, ALL, are involved. When will we get rid of this corrupt ruling mafia. How come the commoners don’t act. We are actually doomed. Interior ministry says USD 100 B went abroad and he knows. Why did they let this happen. No end Dr Fazeela is another of a million other cases which never see the light of the day, will fizzle out like Ayan Ali. For gods sake will somebody do something