48 cocaine capsules found in foreign national's stomach at Multan airport

A foreign national was arrested at Multan Airport for attempting to smuggle 624g of cocaine in 48 capsules.

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) at Multan Airport foiled an attempt to smuggle cocaine, arresting a foreign national who had swallowed dozens of drug-filled capsules. The passenger, who arrived from Muscat, was found carrying 48 capsules filled with cocaine in his stomach, reported Express News.

According to an ANF spokesperson, the total weight of the recovered capsules was 624 grams. The arrested individual is an Angolan national, and the operation was part of the ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug smuggling.

This incident highlights the growing concern over the involvement of foreign nationals, particularly from African countries, in drug smuggling activities in Pakistan. A recent report revealed that a significant number of foreigners implicated in smuggling cases this year have been from African nations.

The suspect has been charged under the Anti-Narcotics Act, and further investigations are underway to uncover more details about the smuggling operation.

Last month, ANF arrested a Nigerian national at Lahore International Airport on charges of drug smuggling.

The suspect, who had flown in from Nigeria via Dubai, was found with 38 cocaine-filled capsules hidden in his stomach.

According to ANF spokesperson, a total of 608 grams of cocaine was recovered from the capsules.

In 2023, 10 Nigerian nationals were arrested in similar cases, with a total of 4.811 kilograms of drugs seized.

This year, authorities have already conducted seven operations, leading to the arrest of eight Nigerian individuals and the recovery of 11.420 kilograms of narcotics.