Pakistan’s customs authorities at Torkham seized $70,000 from a border security force cook attempting to smuggle the money to Afghanistan.
Officials report that a customs sepoy apprehended Zakriya, the cook, as he tried to hand over two packets of US dollars to an unidentified Afghan national at the border crossing. While the Afghan suspect escaped back to Afghanistan, Zakriya was detained, and the $70,000 was recovered.
Authorities are currently investigating how a law enforcement employee became involved in currency smuggling at Torkham. This incident marks the second time in recent days that customs officials have apprehended government personnel for allegedly smuggling US dollars to Afghanistan. Previously, two customs staff members – an inspector and a sepoy – were arrested on similar charges.
Both cases have been forwarded to the Federal Investigation Agency for further investigation.
