Afghan-origin doctor, policeman among eight held; meth worth Rs900m seized

KARACHI: A joint police task force against narcotics in Karachi working in tandem with a civilian intelligence agency of the federal government conducted an intelligence-driven operation on Tuesday at a warehouse in Mehran Town, Korangi, arresting eight persons allegedly involved in an “international narcotics network” and seizing 50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice,” valued at Rs900 million.

Addressing a press conference, West Deputy Inspector General of Police Irfan Ali Baloch said the persons arrested in the operation were allegedly controlling an international narcotics network involved in transportation of drugs from Pakistan to Thailand and Malaysia in bulk.

According to him, 50 kilograms of ice with a total valuation of Rs900 million was recovered by the police. “We learned that the consignment intercepted before export is between 200 to 250 kilograms and its value is estimated at $25 million to $30m (Rs6 billion to Rs8bn).

We are told that more consignments are likely to arrive in Karachi from Balochistan,” he said.

The DIG said “based on credible information, the task force in cooperation with the intelligence agency learned that the narcotics were being smuggled in crates of tiles and marble to be exported to Philippines through a legitimate consignment.”

A covert operation was conducted against an international drug-trafficking network involved in smuggling methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, to Malaysia and the Philippines.

DIG Baloch said the latest consignment had been arranged for shipment from Karachi to the Philippines, with overseas handlers operating from South Africa and Thailand. The network had developed a local structure in Karachi, while the methamphetamine was sourced from Chaman in Balochistan and hawala transactions were reportedly managed through Lahore.

Explaining the roles of the eight suspects, DIG Baloch identified Nazir Soomro as the main accused, alleging that he oversaw the procurement, concealment and attempted export of the drugs.

Shahid Mastoi was responsible for arranging and maintaining a warehouse in Mehran Town where the narcotics were hidden, while Sheikh Khalid allegedly provided storage facilities and helped manage banking channels for domestic transactions.

Dr Noor Ahmed Khilji and Garan Khan, both of Afghan origin and Pakistani CNIC holders, were accused of arranging the supply of methamphetamine from Balochistan.

Abdullah, alias Wahab, and Mohammed Kamran allegedly served as couriers, with Kamran also being a police constable posted in Malir. Nasir reportedly acted as an intermediary and distributor, facilitating transactions involving Dr Noor.

Police recovered 50kg of methamphetamine, a vehicle, two pistols and Rs350,000 from the suspects.

According to the DIG, the drugs were purchased locally for around Rs220,000 per kilogram and were contracted for export at approximately $6,000 per kilogram. Their estimated value in the destination market was between $100,000 and $120,000 per kilogram.

The network had reportedly contracted to export between 200kg and 250kg of methamphetamine, although the remaining quantity had not yet been delivered. The complete consignment was estimated to be worth approximately $25 million to $30 million, equivalent to around Rs6 billion to Rs8 billion.