Investigators probe riders, women-led groups, ‘links to educational institutions and officials’
KARACHI:
What started as a routine narcotics investigation has now expanded into one of Karachi’s largest alleged online drug trafficking rings, revealing a shadowy network of more than 70 suspected dealers operating across the metropolis – with so-called ‘cocaine queen’ Anmol alias Pinky emerging at the center of the storm, sources said on Wednesday.
According to sources, illegal drug trade through social media platforms, mobile phones and WhatsApp is growing rapidly across the city’s seven districts with investigators preparing a comprehensive list of suspected online drug peddlers. Sources added that the list was compiled before Pinky’s arrest and also included his name.
Investigators say Pinky ran a large-scale online drug network operating mainly within the jurisdiction of Darakhshan Police Station in the Southern District. The list shows that 45 suspected online drug traffickers are active in the Southern District alone, while three operate in the City District, two in the Malir District, five in the Western District, four in the Eastern District, four in the Keamari District and seven in the Central District.
Sources further said that women are also allegedly involved in online narcotics trade. In Saddar police station limits, a woman identified as Samira alias “Baby” is said to be running a major online drug ring, while in SITE-A area of Keamari district, two women – Lal Jan and Mehrunnisa alias “Bebel” – are also suspected of being involved in drug trafficking.
Sources said the network is not limited to Karachi as people from other provinces are also allegedly involved in supplying drugs such as ice, crystal meth and cannabis to educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities.
Investigators also questioned Pinky about alleged links between the drug network and certain police officers. According to sources, a list of 12 police officers who allegedly received bribes from him has also been compiled and is being examined.
Further investigations revealed that Pinky allegedly used a bank account belonging to a man identified as Samir, as well as several “benami” accounts, for financial transactions. Around Rs 900,000 was allegedly withdrawn from one of these accounts a few days ago.
Police also obtained details of 35 passengers believed to be linked to the drug delivery network. Among them, 10 riders are said to be from Punjab, while 25 are said to be associated with local operations.
