ANF Busts Afghan-Based drug trafficking network, 671 kg Meth seized

RAWALPINDI, Sep 04 (APP):Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) has disrupted a transnational drug trafficking network linked to Afghanistan, leading to the seizure of 671 kg of methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”, at ports in Karachi and Colombo, Sri Lanka, the ANF spokesperson said on Friday.

The operation followed actionable intelligence developed by the ANF, which led to the recovery of 200 kg of methamphetamine concealed in a container at Karachi Port and the arrest of Afghan national Ehsan Ullah, described as the mastermind of the network, along with his local facilitators.

Following an investigation into the Afghan kingpin, the ANF shared critical intelligence with Sri Lankan authorities and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the spokesperson said.

The information prompted coordinated action involving the DEA and relevant Sri Lankan authorities, resulting in a joint operation at Colombo Port and the recovery of a further 471 kg of methamphetamine concealed in towels.

The total seizure of 671 kg of methamphetamine from Karachi and Colombo ports was linked to an Afghanistan-based drug trafficking network that had sought to use Pakistani territory as a transit route to international markets.

The spokesperson said the force had played a “pivotal role” in the operation through intelligence-based strategies to identify, investigate and disrupt the transnational trafficking network.

The ANF’s efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking organisations and apprehend Afghan traffickers and their local facilitators had been formally acknowledged by Sri Lankan authorities and the U.S. DEA.

Pakistan remains both a transit and victim state for Afghan-origin narcotics and, in fulfillment of its international obligations, maintains close cooperation with allied and partner agencies in coordinated counter-narcotics operations, the ANF said.