ANF seizes 25kg heroin hidden in vehicle in Quetta, arrests one suspect

QUETTA: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has recovered 25 kilogrammes of high-quality heroin from a vehicle in Quetta and arrested one suspect in an operation against drug smuggling. According to the ANF, the seized drugs are worth more than Rs30 million.

The operation was carried out on the basis of intelligence information in an area adjacent to the Eastern Bypass near Satellite Town, Quetta.

Drugs hidden in secret compartments

According to ANF officials, the vehicle was searched and heroin was recovered from secret compartments built with great skill. Initial information suggests the drugs had been concealed in such a way that it could have been difficult to detect them during routine checking.

The drugs were taken into custody and the suspect was arrested. Further legal action in the case is under way.

According to the ANF, an alleged drug smuggling network linked to Afghanistan’s border area of Baramcha was trying to move the drugs to Sindh and Punjab through Balochistan. Officials said the latest operation was part of ongoing efforts against those involved in the illegal trafficking of drugs.

Balochistan’s routes and the challenge

Balochistan holds an important geographical position, and its various routes are used for connectivity and trade with other parts of the country. Preventing these routes from being used for the illegal trafficking of drugs is therefore a major challenge for law enforcement agencies.

According to the ANF, given the quantity and value of the heroin recovered, the operation is a significant step against the alleged drug smuggling network. However, the final status of the allegations against the arrested suspect will be determined through legal proceedings and the courts.

The Anti-Narcotics Force said its operations would continue to stop Pakistan’s soil from being used for the illegal trafficking of drugs and to curb organised criminal networks. According to the force, protecting the younger generation from the destructive effects of drugs is also among its priorities, along with preventing smuggling.

Officials expressed their resolve to make intelligence-based operations against the illegal movement of drugs more effective. Border surveillance, sharing of intelligence and cooperation among different law enforcement agencies are important for effective measures against drug smuggling. The latest operation is being described as a part of this effort.