Major cocaine smuggling bid foiled

A joint counter-narcotics operation based on intelligence sharing between Pakistan and Qatar foiled an attempt to smuggle 4.48kg of cocaine into the country at Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday.

A female suspect and her alleged handler, who was waiting outside the airport's arrivals lounge, had been arrested.

According to officials, the ANF, in collaboration with Qatari authorities, carried out a joint intelligence-led operation at the airport. A Pakistani woman identified as Seharish Bano, who was travelling from Sharjah to Islamabad via Doha, was intercepted and her trolley bag thoroughly searched.

During the search, 4.482kg of cocaine were recovered. The narcotics had been skilfully concealed within the luggage.

Officials stated that during interrogation, the suspect disclosed that her handler, who was linked to the intended recipient, was present outside the arrivals hall.