Botched escape bid exposes drug smuggling

Immigration clearance reveals presence of capsules in passenger’s stomach

RAWALPINDI:

A noteworthy incident unfolded at the New Islamabad International Airport when a deportee, arriving from Saudi Arabia, attempted to escape through a bathroom duct. The duct and ceiling collapsed under the weight, causing both to fall to the ground with the passenger.

Immigration clearance revealed the presence of capsules in the passenger’s stomach, prompting the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to take him into custody and initiate an investigation.

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The deportee, identified as Zakirullah from Swat, had been expelled from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia due to suspicions surrounding his travel documents. Upon reaching the New Islamabad International Airport, he sought to escape the arrival lounge by using a duct during immigration clearance. The ceiling and duct, however, gave way, leading to his apprehension by the Airport Security Force (ASF).

During interrogation, the passenger expressed fear of arrest post-deportation. While the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration cleared him after inspection, the ASF considered handing him over to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials for the damage caused. The CAA, however, declined to seek compensation from the passenger, leading to his transfer to the ASF control room for completion of legal procedures.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2023.