SIALKOT: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) foiled a major drug smuggling attempt at Sialkot International Airport, recovering 40 cocaine-filled capsules from a passenger about to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
According to ANF officials, the capsules contained around 230 grams of cocaine. The suspect, believed to be part of an international trafficking network, was arrested on the spot and later shifted to a hospital, where the capsules were retrieved from his stomach.
Acting on intelligence obtained during questioning, ANF also arrested an accomplice from the airport’s parking area.
ANF condemns misuse of pilgrimage
The agency condemned the use of the sacred Umrah pilgrimage for drug smuggling, stressing its zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. Officials said ANF is intensifying its crackdown on trafficking networks through advanced technology and intelligence-sharing at both national and international levels.
The operation highlights growing concerns over drug smugglers exploiting religious travel routes and the continued vigilance of law enforcement agencies in intercepting such attempts.