Lahore, October 4, 2024 – A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) air hostess was arrested at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on charges of smuggling 30 iPhones into the country. The arrest occurred after customs officials intercepted her during a routine baggage check as she arrived on a flight from Dubai.
According to sources at the airport, the air hostess, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was found attempting to smuggle the high-end smartphones concealed in her luggage. The phones, which are estimated to be worth over 10 million rupees, were seized by customs officers.
The air hostess, who was working in the cabin crew of the flight, reportedly attempted to pass through the green channel without declaring the phones, a move that raised suspicions among customs officials. After a thorough inspection, the phones were discovered hidden in specialized compartments within her baggage.
A spokesman for the Pakistan Customs Department confirmed the arrest and stated that an investigation is underway to determine if the air hostess was working alone or if a larger smuggling network is involved. “We have strong anti-smuggling measures in place, and our officers are vigilant in ensuring that such illegal activities do not take place,” the spokesman said.
Sources suggest that the air hostess might have been smuggling the phones to bypass import duties and taxes, which would allow her to sell the devices at a much higher profit. Smuggling high-value electronics into Pakistan is a common practice due to the significant tax discrepancies between the local market and international prices.
PIA has expressed its disappointment over the incident and said it is cooperating with authorities. “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, and any such unlawful activity will not be tolerated,” a spokesperson for the airline said.
The air hostess has been handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further interrogation, and it is expected that more arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of smuggling at Pakistan’s airports, with officials vowing to crack down on such illegal activities to protect both the economy and the public interest.
