UK-Pakistani arrested at Islamabad airport linked to network targeting youth

ANF recovers over 11 kilograms of weed, 3.616 kilograms of cannabis, with an estimated value of over Rs10.6m

The Anti-Narcotics Force has arrested a British-Pakistani national at Islamabad International Airport and recovered a large quantity of narcotics, allegedly being smuggled for distribution among students in educational institutions across Azad Kashmir and nearby areas.

According to ANF officials, the suspect, who has links with an international drug-smuggling network, arrived at the New Islamabad International Airport on a flight from Thailand.

During baggage inspection, officials recovered over 11 kilograms of weed and 3 kilograms of cannabis concealed in various packaging materials inside his luggage. The recovered narcotics have an estimated street value of over Rs10.6 million, authorities said.

Read More: Educational institutions liable if drugs reach campus: IHC

During preliminary interrogation, the accused confessed that he had planned to transport the drugs to Azad Kashmir, where an accomplice based in Dhadiyal was involved in selling narcotics to students and local youth.

The ANF has registered a case against the suspect under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997, and launched a broader investigation to track and apprehend members of the network operating in Azad Kashmir.

An ANF spokesperson said the arrest highlights a growing threat posed by substances such as weed and synthetic cannabis, which are increasingly targeting the country’s youth under the guise of modern lifestyle and entertainment.