4.48kg 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), in coordination with Qatari authorities, carried out an intelligence operation at the airport.
Acting on shared and verified intelligence, ANF personnel intercepted a Pakistani female passenger, identified as Sehrish Bano, who was traveling to Islamabad from Sharjah via Doha.
During an extensive search of his roller bag, officers recovered 4,482kg of cocaine. Authorities said the narcotics had been cleverly concealed to avoid detection.
During a thorough search of his suitcase, officials recovered 4,482 kg of cocaine PHOTO: EXPRESS
During interrogation, the suspect revealed that her handler, linked to the intended recipient, was present outside the airport arrivals hall. Based on this information, ANF arrested the handler, identified as Aamir Asadullah, along with his vehicle.
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Investigations revealed that the drug-laden bag had been handed over to the suspect during transit at Hamad International Airport by a Nigerian national, following instructions from handlers based in the United Arab Emirates.
The suspects arrested, the narcotics recovered, and the vehicle were detained. Further 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.
ANF added that cocaine, described as a very dangerous and expensive drug often associated with wealthy circles, is increasingly being trafficked into Pakistan. Authorities said smuggling networks frequently use women as transporters, coercing or tricking them into transporting narcotics to evade suspicion.
