The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has recovered 1.2 tons of high-quality hashish and arrested two suspects in a major crackdown against an international drug trafficking network.
According to an ANF spokesperson, the operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence reports.
Authorities had received information that an international drug syndicate operating under the patronage of an alleged trafficker identified as Ishaq Baloch was planning to transport a large quantity of narcotics from Panjgur to Turbat. The drugs were later to be moved through various channels to coastal areas and smuggled abroad via sea routes.
Acting on the tip-off, ANF personnel intercepted a suspected truck on the Panjgur–Turbat National Highway (M-8) and conducted a search. During inspection, 1,200 kilograms (1.2 tons) of hashish were recovered from hidden compartments of the vehicle. Two suspects present in the truck were arrested on the spot.
Officials stated that the seized narcotics are estimated to be worth approximately $66.15 million in the international market. Initial investigations revealed that the drugs had been smuggled into Pakistan from Afghanistan and were to be transported through the coastal areas of Gwadar and Pasni using high-speed fishing boats to Gulf countries, Yemen and Tanzania.
The ANF has registered a case against the arrested suspects under the Anti-Narcotics Act. Raids are being carried out to apprehend the alleged kingpin Ishaq Baloch and other members of the network.
