Pakistan

Customs, FC seize drugs worth Rs320 million in Khyber operation

Weapons also recovered from two arrested suspects

Abuzar Afridi May 21, 2024

The authorities seized 300 kilograms of high-quality hashish, 2.5 kilograms of opium, and various weapons from the suspects. PHOTO: EXPRESS

KHYBER:

Customs Intelligence and Frontier Corps (FC) North have conducted a major operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district, seizing drugs worth Rs320 million and arresting two suspects. Weapons were also recovered from the suspects.

Customs sources confirmed that Director General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Islamabad, Ali Raza Hanjra, received intelligence reports about a significant consignment of drugs and weapons being smuggled from Afghanistan into Pakistan through the remote Tirah Valley in Khyber District.

Upon verifying the information, he relayed it to Shafqat Ali Khan, Director of Customs Intelligence Peshawar, who conducted further investigations.

A few days ago, Shafqat Ali Khan shared the intelligence with FC North officials. Joint teams from Customs Intelligence and FC North set up covert checkpoints in various areas of the Tirah Valley, near the Afghan border.

During the operation, two suspects, disguised as laborers, were apprehended while attempting to smuggle a large quantity of drugs into Tirah. The authorities seized 300 kilograms of high-quality hashish, 2.5 kilograms of opium, and various weapons from the suspects.

Also read: Customs seizes drugs worth Rs1b at Torkham border crossing

The drugs were estimated to be worth Rs320 million in the international market. The exact value of the seized weapons is still being determined.

The suspects have been charged and the confiscated drugs have been transferred to Customs House Peshawar. Further investigations are ongoing.

Notably, a similar joint operation by Customs Intelligence and FC North on April 8 resulted in the seizure of drugs worth Rs300 million in Khyber district.

Customs and FC officials are committed to continuing their joint efforts against drug trafficking. Investigations have also revealed that drug smugglers are financially supporting terrorist organisations, adversely affecting the country's security.