FIA busts human smuggling network

KARACHI:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has uncovered an illegal maritime transportation and smuggling network and arrested five suspects allegedly involved in moving people through unauthorised sea routes and smuggling contraband.

The arrested individuals were identified as Ali Muhammad alias Haji (owner of the launch), Abdul Salam (captain of the launch), Yousuf Palani, Imran, and Ali Akbar.

During preliminary investigations, the suspects revealed that people were illegally transported abroad through maritime routes using a launch named Al Irfan. Some of these individuals were later brought back to Pakistan illegally aboard another launch.

Verification of immigration records found no evidence of the individuals having legally departed Pakistan. The suspects further disclosed that they charged approximately Rs150,000 per person for facilitating illegal re-entry into the country, while some passengers reportedly remained hidden aboard the vessel for up to two months.

Initial investigations also suggest that the suspects were involved in smuggling liquor, cigarettes, diesel, silver, and other prohibited items through coastal routes in Balochistan.