Investigators investigate cyclists, women-led groups and ‘ties with educational institutions and officials’
KARACHI:
What started as a routine narcotics investigation has now turned into one of Karachi’s largest alleged online drug trafficking rings, exposing a shadowy network of more than 70 suspected traffickers 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 trafficking through social media platforms, mobile phones and WhatsApp is expanding rapidly in the city’s seven districts, and investigators are preparing a comprehensive list of suspected online drug traffickers. Sources added that the list was compiled before Pinky’s arrest and also includes his name.
Investigators allege that Pinky ran a large-scale online drug ring that operated primarily within the jurisdiction of the 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 District City, 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 stated that the women are also allegedly involved in online narcotics trafficking. In Saddar police station limits, a woman identified as Samira alias ‘Baby’ is allegedly running a major online drug network, 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 like ice, methamphetamine and cannabis to educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities.
Investigators have also questioned Pinky about alleged links between the drug ring and certain police personnel. According to sources, a list of 12 police officers who allegedly received bribes from her has also been drawn up and is being reviewed.
Further investigation revealed that Pinky allegedly used a bank account belonging to a man identified as Samir, along with several “benami” accounts, for financial transactions. According to reports, around Rs 900,000 was withdrawn from one of these accounts a few days ago.
Police also obtained details of 35 passengers allegedly linked to the drug distribution network. Of them, 10 passengers are said to be from Punjab, while 25 are associated with local operations.
