4.48 kg of drugs seized; courier and handler arrested as cross-border investigation expands
Suspects arrested in joint Pakistan-Qatar operation while trying to smuggle 4.48 kilograms of cocaine at Islamabad International Airport PHOTO: EXPRESS
RAWALPINDI:
Two suspects were arrested after a joint Pakistan-Qatar operation foiled an attempt to smuggle 4.48 kilograms (kg) of cocaine at Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday, officials said.
Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), working in coordination with Qatari authorities, carried out an intelligence operation at the airport.
Based on shared and verified intelligence, ANF personnel intercepted a Pakistani woman passenger, identified as Sehrish Bano, who was traveling to Islamabad from Sharjah via Doha.
During a thorough search of his roller bag, authorities recovered 4,482 kg of cocaine. Authorities said the narcotics were cleverly concealed to avoid detection.
During a thorough search of his roller bag, authorities recovered 4.482 kg of cocaine PHOTO: EXPRESS
During interrogation, the suspect revealed that her handler – related to the intended recipient – was present outside the airport arrivals hall. Acting on this information, the ANF arrested the driver, identified as Aamir Asadullah, and his vehicle.
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Investigation revealed that the drug-laden bag was handed over to the suspect during transit at Hamad International Airport by a Nigerian national, on the instruction of handlers based in the United Arab Emirates.
The suspects arrested, the drugs recovered and the vehicle were taken into custody. Other coordinated investigations are underway in Pakistan and Qatar.
ANF officials said the joint operation reflects effective intelligence sharing and operational cooperation between the two countries in the fight against international drug trafficking.
The ANF added that cocaine – described as a very dangerous and expensive drug, often associated with wealthy circles – is increasingly being trafficked into Pakistan. Authorities have said smuggling rings frequently use women as carriers, forcing or tricking them into transporting narcotics to escape suspicion.
