ISLAMABAD, Sep 04 (APP):Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has busted an Afghanistan based transnational drug trafficking network by seizing 671kg of methamphetamine from Karachi and Colombo ports, following an intelligence led operation that also led to the arrest of an Afghan mastermind and his local handlers. According to the ANF, the breakthrough came after actionable intelligence was developed …
ANF busts Afghan drug network, 671kg ice seized
ISLAMABAD, Sep 04 (APP):Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has busted an Afghanistan based transnational drug trafficking network by seizing 671kg of methamphetamine from Karachi and Colombo ports, following an intelligence led operation that also led to the arrest of an Afghan mastermind and his local handlers.
According to the ANF, the breakthrough came after actionable intelligence was developed regarding a trafficking organisation involved in smuggling Afghan origin drugs through Pakistan to international markets.
During an operation at Karachi Port, ANF officials recovered 200kg of methamphetamine (ice) concealed in a container and arrested Afghan national Ehsan Ullah, described as the mastermind of the network, along with local handlers.
The ANF said detailed investigation of the Afghan kingpin generated critical information about the network’s international operations.
The information was subsequently shared with Sri Lankan authorities and the US DEA to facilitate coordinated action.
Acting on the intelligence provided by ANF, the DEA coordinated with relevant Sri Lankan authorities, resulting in a joint operation at Colombo Port.
The operation led to the recovery of another 471kg of methamphetamine, which had been skilfully concealed in towels.
With the seizures at Karachi and Colombo ports, a total of 671kg of methamphetamine linked to the Afghanistan based trafficking network was recovered.
The ANF said Pakistan remained a victim state for Afghan origin drugs and continued to fulfil its international obligations by cooperating closely with allied and partner law enforcement agencies.
It said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence led strategies in identifying and disrupting international drug trafficking organisations.
The force added that its role in dismantling international drug trafficking networks and apprehending Afghan traffickers and their local facilitators had been formally acknowledged by Sri Lankan authorities and the US DEA.
According to the ANF, the successful operation reflected its professional capabilities and growing international cooperation in the fight against narcotics trafficking.
