ANF Busts Afghan-Based Drug Trafficking Network, 671 Kg Meth Seized
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. This was shared by the ANF spokesperson on Friday.
The operation stemmed from actionable intelligence developed by the ANF, which resulted in the recovery of 200 kg of methamphetamine concealed in a container at Karachi Port and the arrest of an Afghan national, Ehsan Ullah, identified as the mastermind of the network, along with his local facilitators.
Following further investigation into the Afghan kingpin, the ANF shared critical intelligence with Sri Lankan authorities and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This led to a joint operation at Colombo Port, recovering a further 471 kg of methamphetamine concealed in towels.
The total seizure of 671 kg of methamphetamine from both ports was linked to an Afghanistan-based drug trafficking network attempting to use Pakistani territory as a transit route to international markets.
The ANF spokesperson highlighted the force's pivotal role in the operation through intelligence-based strategies to identify, investigate, and disrupt transnational trafficking networks. The ANF's efforts have been acknowledged by Sri Lankan authorities and the U.S. DEA.
Pakistan remains both a transit and victim state for Afghan-origin narcotics, and as such, maintains close cooperation with allied and partner agencies in coordinated counter-narcotics operations.