A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight steward was apprehended at Islamabad Airport upon arrival from Canada after customs officials discovered 16 high-end smartphones strapped to his body. The employee, identified as Faisal Majeed, was caught during a routine customs check on October 24, while disembarking from flight PK-782 from Toronto.
Discovery and Immediate Action
Customs officials found the phones hidden beneath Majeed’s uniform, indicating an attempt to smuggle the devices into Pakistan. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of high-value item smuggling through airports. Following the discovery, PIA administration immediately issued Majeed a show-cause notice demanding a response within three days. “Your actions have damaged the reputation of PIA,” the notice read, warning that failure to provide an adequate explanation would lead to his termination.
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The airline, which has had a zero-tolerance policy for employee misconduct, took swift action, emphasizing that it would treat Majeed’s actions with the seriousness they warranted. “Any illegal actions by employees are unacceptable, and we do not treat those involved in illegal activities with leniency,” stated a PIA spokesperson.
Details of the Smuggling Attempt
According to sources, Majeed was on a tourist visa and had received the smartphones during his stay in Canada. These phones were intended for distribution within Pakistan, where high-end smartphones are in high demand. Customs officials noted that concealing phones on one’s body has become a common smuggling tactic to evade detection and avoid import taxes.
Upon apprehension, Majeed was taken into custody by the Customs authorities, who are conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the extent of the smuggling attempt and any potential network of accomplices.
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This is not an isolated incident; it highlights a recurring problem. In May 2023, Pakistan Customs foiled another attempt to smuggle mobile devices at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. Acting on a tip, Customs agents detained a passenger arriving from Dubai who had concealed 35 iPhones, including XS and X-Max models, worth around Rs10 million. The passenger was unable to produce tax documentation, leading to a registered case.