CTD nets arms smuggler

Arrested man suspected of aiding gangs active in riverine area

LAHORE:

Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a key member of the network supplying arms to suspected criminals during the ongoing operation in riverine areas.

During an operation on Sunday night, CTD teams detained the suspected arms dealer and also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including two rocket launchers. The network was reportedly involved in arming the Lund and Dulani gangs, two of the notorious criminal gangs operating in the area.

A CTD spokesman said that the arrested accused was identified as Abdul Khaliq and he worked as the secondary carrier of prohibited and sophisticated arms from Balochistan. During the initial investigation, concrete evidence for the supply of arms and ammunition to riverine areas was collected.

Referring to the 'modus operandi' of the gangs, the spokesman further alleged that the Lund and Dulani gangs recruited Ramzan Bugti and Sattar Patafi to procure weapons. The accused Sattar Patafi, his brother Javed Patafi and Khan Musuri Bugti have been identified as major smugglers operating out of Balochistan.

Bugti reportedly brokered a deal for the purchase of rocket launchers and ammunition, which were moved from Rukni to Hajipur and Rajanpur. These were further transported by bike with the help of two local accused.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2023.