After 'Cocaine Queen', 70+ dealers found linked to empire

Investigators probe riders, women-led groups, 'links to educational institutions, officials'

KARACHI:

What began as a routine narcotics probe has now unfolded into one of Karachi's largest alleged online drug trafficking networks, exposing a shadowy web of over 70 suspected dealers operating across the metropolis - with the so-called "Cocaine Queen" Anmol alias Pinky emerging at the centre of the storm, sources said on Wednesday.

According to sources, the illegal drug trade through social media platforms, mobile phones, and WhatsApp is rapidly expanding across all seven districts of the city, with investigators preparing a comprehensive list of suspected online drug dealers. Sources added that the list was compiled prior to Pinky's arrest and also includes her name.

Investigators claim that Pinky ran a large-scale online drug network operating mainly within the jurisdiction of Darakhshan police station in District South. The list shows that 45 suspected online drug dealers are active in District South alone, while three are operating in District City, two in District Malir, five in District West, four in District East, four in District Keamari, and seven in District Central.

Sources further stated that women are also allegedly involved in the online narcotics trade. In the limits of Saddar police station, a woman identified as Samira alias "Baby" is reportedly running a major online drug network, while in SITE-A area of District Keamari, two women - Lal Jan and Mehrunnisa alias "Bebel" - are also suspected of involvement in drug trafficking.

Sources said the network is not limited to Karachi, as people from other provinces are also allegedly involved in supplying drugs such as ice, crystal meth, and cannabis to educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities.

Investigators have also questioned Pinky regarding alleged links between the drug network and certain police personnel. According to sources, a list of 12 police officials allegedly receiving bribes from her has also been compiled and is under review.

Further investigations revealed that Pinky allegedly used a bank account belonging to a man identified as Samir, along with several "benami" accounts, for financial transactions. Around Rs900,000 were reportedly withdrawn from one of these accounts a few days ago.

Police have also obtained details of 35 riders allegedly linked to the drug delivery network. Of these, 10 riders are said to be from Punjab, while 25 are associated with local operations.