Breaking News: Police Seizes Smuggled Silver Worth Rs. 50 Million in Dera Ismail Khan
In a major operation against the illegal trade of precious metals, the Dera Ismail Khan police intercepted a large-scale silver smuggling attempt on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Authorities seized 50 kilograms of high-purity silver, estimated to be worth nearly Rs. 50 million in the current market.
The action highlights intensified anti-smuggling efforts in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 2026.
Operation Details – Darazinda Checkpost Interception
The recovery was made at the Darazinda checkpost, operating under the jurisdiction of Daraban Police Station in D.I. Khan.
Suspicious Vehicle Flagged
- Vehicle Registration: AXX-569 ICT
- Flagged during routine but high-alert inspection
- Checkpost In-charge: Mohammad Asif
- Assisting Officer: ASI Allah Nawaz
The vehicle raised suspicion during screening, prompting a more thorough inspection.
Discovery of 50 Silver Bars
During a detailed search at the police station:
- Officers recovered 50 silver bars (commonly called biscuits)
- Each bar weighed exactly 1 kilogram
- The bars were hidden beneath the rear seat of the vehicle
- Concealment was described as “professionally executed”
Purity Level Confirmed
Each bar bore the stamp:
“999.9”
This marking indicates:
- Ultra-high purity silver
- International bullion-grade standard
- Commonly used in investment and industrial applications
Estimated Market Value
Based on prevailing 2026 silver rates:
- Total Weight: 50 kilograms
- Estimated Value: Approximately Rs. 50 million
Fluctuations in global bullion markets may slightly affect valuation, but officials confirmed the haul as one of the largest silver recoveries in the region this year.
Legal Action Taken
Following the seizure:
Arrests Made
- Individuals transporting the silver were taken into custody immediately.
- Identities are being withheld pending investigation.
FIR Registered
A formal First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged under relevant laws related to:
- Illegal transportation of precious metals
- Smuggling and evasion statutes
- Economic offenses involving high-value commodities
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are currently:
- Interrogating the suspects
- Tracing the source of the silver
- Investigating possible cross-border links
- Identifying the broader smuggling network
Officials believe this may be part of a larger syndicate operating through transit corridors in southern KP.
Why D.I. Khan Is a Key Transit Point
Dera Ismail Khan serves as:
- A strategic route linking multiple provinces
- A corridor often exploited for smuggling operations
- A high-monitoring zone for customs and police
Increased surveillance in 2026 has resulted in multiple high-profile seizures.
Broader 2026 Anti-Smuggling Crackdown
This silver seizure comes amid a wider enforcement campaign.
Earlier in the same week:
- Pakistan Customs destroyed smuggled goods worth approximately Rs. 812 million
- Crackdowns targeted illegal fuel, electronics, foreign goods, and bullion
Authorities have reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against economic crimes and illicit trade.
Seizure Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 50 Kilograms |
| Number of Bars | 50 |
| Purity | 999.9 Fine Silver |
| Estimated Value | ~Rs. 50,000,000 |
| Location | Darazinda Checkpost, D.I. Khan |
| Vehicle | AXX-569 ICT |
| Status | FIR Registered, Investigation Ongoing |
Economic Impact of Precious Metal Smuggling
Illegal bullion trade:
- Distorts domestic silver prices
- Undermines tax revenue
- Facilitates money laundering
- Fuels organized crime networks
Experts note that strict monitoring of precious metals has become a priority in 2026 due to rising global bullion prices.
Law Enforcement Statement
Police officials emphasized that:
- Checkposts remain on high alert
- Surveillance will continue along key transit routes
- Intelligence-led operations are being expanded
Further arrests are possible as investigations continue.
Final Outlook
The interception of 50KG of 999.9-grade silver marks one of the most significant precious metal seizures in D.I. Khan this year. Authorities are determined to dismantle smuggling networks operating through the region.
