Customs officials have recovered 14 iPhones hidden under a commode in a washroom at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. The phones were allegedly concealed by a passenger who had arrived from Hong Kong and was suspected of trying to avoid customs inspection.
The incident took place on Saturday, September 19, according to reports citing the Karachi Customs Collectorate. Officials became suspicious when the passenger reportedly spent around 20 minutes inside an airport washroom.
14 iPhones Recovered From Airport Washroom
After the passenger returned from the washroom, customs officials searched his luggage and found two bottles of liquor. During questioning, he reportedly disclosed that he had hidden the mobile phones inside the washroom after noticing customs personnel nearby.
A customs team then searched the washroom and found 14 newly imported iPhones concealed underneath a commode. Officials subsequently seized the phones and liquor under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act.
The reports do not identify the passenger by name. Authorities also have not publicly disclosed further details about the next stage of the case.
Customs Values Seized Items at Rs5 Million
According to customs officials, the combined value of the recovered mobile phones and liquor was estimated at approximately Rs5 million. The seizure is now subject to proceedings under customs law.
The case comes as Pakistan Customs continues to monitor high-value goods entering the country through international airports. Imported smartphones, particularly iPhones, can be subject to customs duties and other applicable charges depending on the circumstances of their import.
Apple recently launched its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, with availability beginning September 18 in several international markets. However, the available reports on the Karachi seizure describe the devices simply as new iPhones and do not specify their exact models.
What Happened Next?
The 14 iPhones recovered in the airport washroom have been taken into customs custody along with the liquor bottles. Officials are handling the matter under the Customs Act, while further details about any charges or proceedings against the passenger were not immediately available.
