Two ANF raids yield 90 kilos of drugs

Officials say drugs worth millions of rupees were taken into custody from Islamabad, Attock

RAWALPINDI:

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has arrested four suspects during two separate raids in Islamabad and Attock, seizing 90kg drugs worth millions of rupees in the international market from their possession.

According to the ANF officials, the suspects used to supply drugs in Islamabad and other cities. Two cars were also seized during the operations.

The first operation was carried out on a tip-off from the ANF Intelligence Wing in Sector E-2 in a house in the federal capital, in which more than 11kg heroin skilfully concealed in leather jackets was recovered. Two suspects, including an Afghan national Ghulam Rasool, and Amanullah from Peshawar were taken into custody.

A case has been registered against both suspects under the Anti-Narcotics Act. They have been shifted to ANF Islamabad Police Station for further investigation.

The second operation was carried out near Tarbela Road Ghazi Interchange in Attock district. In this joint operation, ANF Rawalpindi and Attock officials participated and recovered 78kg narcotics, including 44kg hashish and 34kg opium from a vehicle.

Two suspects were arrested on the spot. The accused had set up separate compartments under the seats of vehicles to smuggle drugs into some parts of Punjab. ANF personnel cut off various parts of the vehicle and recovered drug packets.

During the operation, two suspects identified as Ali and Babar Javed were arrested. A case has been registered against both and investigation has been started.

ANF officials said that they were trying to reach the main suspects behind these suspects arrested. They added that these smugglers have been involved in cases of drug smuggling in the twin cities.

Meanwhile, FIA immigration staff arrested a man, Amir Zaib, from Islamabad International Airport, who was trying to flee abroad after stealing Rs12.5 million from National Bank Mardan where he worked as a cashier.

The suspect, along with two others including the branch manager, had stolen the money. An FIR has also been registered.

FIA officials said the immigration process for the flight to the UAE was in progress when a passenger was questioned on suspicion. After checking the record, the officials found out that the passenger is wanted by FIA Mardan in the National Bank money theft case, said the officials, adding that the FIA took the suspect into custody.

Amir, who was identified with the help of CCTV footage and an annual audit of the bank, was trying to flee to UAE.

Officials said that Amir fled on May 26, 2021 after stealing cash from the National Bank Mardan. They added that an FIR was registered against the female manager and operations manager for stealing cash from the bank and efforts are being made to arrest them.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 30^th, 2022.