ANF Foils 310kg Ice Smuggling Pakistan from Karachi to Qatar
Karachi: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has successfully intercepted a major drug smuggling attempt from Karachi to Qatar, recovering 310 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) valued at millions of US dollars. This significant seizure underscores Pakistan’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
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The operation was executed by the ANF’s Port Control Unit (PCU) at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited, based on credible intelligence received by the agency. Authorities intercepted a container bound for Qatar’s Hamad Port, which raised suspicion during standard inspection protocols.
Ice Smuggling Pakistan
A detailed physical examination revealed that the container carried molasses and jaggery as cover for the narcotics. Out of 1,100 drums loaded in the container, 15 drums contained liquid methamphetamine (Ice). The drug was carefully mixed with other substances to evade standard detection methods, reflecting the sophistication of modern smuggling operations.
Sources confirmed that the container was booked by Noor International, located on I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi, while the recipient in Qatar was listed as Al Naffay Trading. The use of legitimate trade routes highlights how traffickers exploit commercial shipping channels to move narcotics internationally.
Detection and Technology
The narcotics were detected using a Rigaku handheld analytical machine during the physical inspection. The technology confirmed the presence of liquid methamphetamine, enabling authorities to seize the container before it reached its destination.
Ongoing Legal Action
ANF sources reported that further legal proceedings are underway, and investigations are being conducted to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the smuggling attempt. This seizure is part of a broader effort by Pakistani authorities to disrupt organized drug trafficking networks operating within and outside the country.
Related Corruption Scandal in Karachi
The latest seizure comes amid a controversy involving the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) police in Karachi, who allegedly sold back seized narcotics to traffickers. According to reports, the CIA police had confiscated 508 kilograms of drugs, but a significant portion was reportedly returned to the black market by Sub-Inspector Ijaz Butt.
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The scandal prompted immediate action by authorities. Sindh Interior Minister Zia Langar held a press conference with the Additional IG Karachi and CIA officials to address the situation. The incident highlights the dual challenges Pakistani law enforcement faces: combating both sophisticated smuggling operations and internal corruption.
Impact and Significance
The seizure of 310 kg of Ice by ANF Karachi is among the largest of its kind in recent years. Methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, poses severe health risks and contributes to criminal activity, making its interception crucial for public safety.
Authorities continue to monitor shipping channels and trade routes closely, employing advanced detection technologies to prevent similar smuggling attempts. The operation demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to combating drug trafficking from Karachi to international destinations.
Conclusion
The ANF’s successful bust not only prevents a major quantity of methamphetamine from entering international markets but also sends a strong message to traffickers attempting to exploit commercial shipping channels. Meanwhile, ongoing investigations into internal corruption aim to strengthen accountability within law enforcement agencies.
This incident reinforces Pakistan’s proactive approach toward Ice smuggling prevention and highlights the critical role of the ANF in protecting both national and international communities from narcotics threats.
