'Pinky' ran covert cocaine network via SIM-less phones

Investigators uncover highly secret system of anonymous riders, digital coordination and cash trails in cartel bust

KARACHI:

A tightly woven, highly secretive drug network operating in the heart of the metropolis has been exposed during the interrogation of alleged cocaine dealer Anmol, alias Pinky, with investigators uncovering a sophisticated system designed to stay invisible to law enforcement agencies even in the face of arrests and raids.

Pinky ran a highly organised cocaine supply network in Karachi using a secretive communication and delivery system designed to protect the identities of both clients and operatives, investigators told The Express Tribune on Thursday.

Sources said the suspect and her associates used mobile phones without SIM cards and communicated through social media platforms to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies. The network allegedly functioned in a triangular structure, with Pinky acting as the central link between buyers and delivery riders.

Investigators revealed that the riders delivering the drugs were unaware of the identities of the buyers, while the buyers also did not know from whom the narcotics were being supplied. Once confirmation was received that the payment had been transferred into a designated account, the rider would proceed with the delivery.

In several cases, riders allegedly left the cocaine at a pre-decided location and sent photographs along with the location details to Pinky, who would then forward the information to the buyer.

Officials said the network had also devised a contingency plan in case any operative was arrested. Under the strategy, any rider detained by police or sensitive agencies was immediately disconnected from the network. Even if released after questioning, the rider was never re-inducted into the network.

"The network did not trust anyone who had once come into police or agency custody," a source said, adding that the system ensured the operation continued uninterrupted despite arrests.

Investigators said no rider had information about other members of the group, while the entire network revolved around a single central figure - Pinky.

Sources further claimed that if any police officer attempted to tighten the net around her, Pinky would allegedly gather information about the officer through certain senior officials and use it to blackmail them. However, police have not officially confirmed the allegation.

Meanwhile, police and sensitive agencies reportedly detained one of Pinky's key operatives along with an associate from Gulistan-e-Jauhar late on Wednesday night. According to investigators, the suspect was responsible for handling financial transactions linked to the network. Officials said his arrest was made through mobile location tracking after investigators traced payments allegedly transferred by drug buyers into his account.