The ongoing investigation into the alleged murder of Mustafa Amir has significantly impacted the operations of a high-end drug cartel in Karachi’s affluent areas. The arrest of prime suspect Armaghan Qureshi, along with Sahir Hasan—son of renowned actor Sajid Hasan—has led to a severe disruption in the supply of marijuana, causing substantial financial losses to drug dealers.
The case involves the alleged kidnapping and murder of Mustafa Amir, a BBA student, who went missing on January 6. The situation escalated when Armaghan Qureshi opened fire on an Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) team during a raid at his residence in Karachi’s DHA on February 8. Investigators have uncovered links to potential money laundering, fraud, and an illegal call center, alongside drug trafficking activities.
The investigation has revealed that the city’s high-end weed market is dominated by three primary strains:
- Jungle Boy – The most expensive, sold at Rs15,000 per gram
- Gelato – Priced at Rs12,000 per gram
- Pamela – The least expensive, costing Rs10,000 per gram
These drugs are allegedly being sold through the dark web and social media platforms, with courier companies reportedly involved in their distribution.
Before the crackdown, Karachi’s marijuana trade was controlled by three key individuals. However, with two of them now deceased and the third in police custody, the future of the operation remains uncertain. While authorities have managed to disrupt this particular network, experts believe that such illicit trade is rarely eradicated entirely and may soon resurface under new leadership.
Law Enforcement’s Perspective
“You won’t find weed being sold anywhere now,” stated Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Muqaddas Haider, adding that suppliers have disappeared, and the supply has almost completely halted.
However, he acknowledged that if any sales are still occurring, they are confined to tight-knit circles, operating under strict secrecy and at inflated black-market prices.
Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
During questioning, Sahir Hasan disclosed that 75% of the proceeds from drug sales were deposited into an account managed by his father’s manager. This revelation has prompted law enforcement to examine his financial records, with potential implications for both the manager and Sajid Hasan.
Authorities clarified that the manager has been questioned but has not yet been formally included in the investigation. Police are currently working with banks to verify transaction records before deciding on further action.
Ongoing Investigations and Key Suspects
Currently, Sahir Hasan remains the only individual in police custody regarding drug-related charges. Another individual initially detained was released after it was confirmed that he had left the drug business two to three years ago following a serious accident that left him in a coma.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are actively searching for Bazil, an Islamabad-based suspect believed to be a key supplier. If apprehended, Bazil could provide crucial information about the involvement of courier companies in drug shipments, potentially leading to further legal action against them.
There have been various claims regarding the involvement of politicians, bureaucrats, and celebrities in the drug trade. However, authorities believe these allegations stem from personal vendettas rather than concrete evidence.
A senior police officer emphasized, “We are focused on solid evidence. Random arrests without proof would only weaken our case. Suppliers will only be apprehended when we recover drugs from them.”
While the crackdown has temporarily halted operations, law enforcement acknowledges that the lucrative nature of the illegal drug trade makes it unlikely to disappear entirely. The investigation continues, with authorities determined to dismantle the cartel and bring those responsible to justice.
