Karachi police, in collaboration with a federal civilian intelligence agency, have arrested eight suspects allegedly linked to an international narcotics network operating from the city.
Authorities recovered 50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, during an intelligence-based raid on a warehouse in Mehran Town, Korangi, on Tuesday.
West Deputy Inspector General of Police Irfan Ali Baloch said the seized drugs were valued at approximately Rs900 million.
According to the police, the network was allegedly involved in transporting large quantities of methamphetamine from Pakistan to international destinations, including Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Drugs Hidden Inside Marble and Tile Consignment
Speaking at a press conference, DIG Irfan Ali Baloch said the police task force received credible intelligence about narcotics being concealed inside crates of tiles and marble at a warehouse in Mehran Town.
The suspects allegedly planned to export the drugs to the Philippines while presenting the shipment as a legitimate commercial consignment.
Police said the operation was launched after investigators identified the alleged international trafficking network and its local connections.
The intercepted shipment was reportedly part of a much larger consignment weighing between 200 and 250 kilograms.
The full shipment was estimated to be worth between $25 million and $30 million in the destination market, equivalent to approximately Rs6 billion to Rs8 billion.
However, police said only 50 kilograms had been recovered during the raid. The remaining quantity had reportedly not yet been delivered.
Authorities believe additional consignments could arrive in Karachi from Balochistan.
Eight Suspects Arrested in Karachi Raid
Police identified Nazir Soomro as the alleged principal accused. According to the investigation, he directed the procurement, concealment and attempted export of the narcotics.
Shahid Mastoi allegedly arranged and maintained the warehouse in Mehran Town where the drugs were concealed.
Police said Sheikh Khalid provided storage facilities and helped facilitate banking channels used for local financial transactions.
Dr Noor Ahmed Khilji and Garan Khan, both of Afghan origin and holders of Pakistani identity cards, were allegedly involved in arranging the supply of methamphetamine from Balochistan.
Abdullah, also known as Wahab, and Mohammed Kamran were allegedly working as couriers.
Police said Kamran was a serving police constable posted in Malir.
Another suspect, Nasir, allegedly worked as an intermediary and distributor and facilitated transactions involving Dr Noor.
During the operation, police recovered 50 kilograms of crystal meth, a vehicle, two pistols and Rs350,000 in cash from the suspects.
Investigation Targets International Handlers
DIG Baloch said the case indicated the presence of an organised trafficking structure rather than an isolated criminal operation.
According to investigators, the alleged network involved multiple layers, including suppliers, warehouse operators, couriers, financial facilitators and overseas handlers.
Police said the narcotics were allegedly sourced from Chaman in Balochistan, while financial transactions through informal channels were reportedly routed through Lahore.
The network allegedly maintained overseas connections in Thailand and South Africa, while the intercepted shipment was reportedly destined for the Philippines.
DIG Baloch said the use of a legitimate commercial shipment to conceal narcotics demonstrated an alleged attempt to exploit established trade channels.
He warned that the successful export of such a large quantity of methamphetamine could have damaged Pakistan’s international reputation.
Police Trace Money and Cryptocurrency Trail
The investigation is now focused on identifying additional members of the alleged network and determining the full extent of its operations.
The Narcotics Task Force, along with the Special Investigation Unit, is questioning the arrested suspects to establish the complete supply chain.
Investigators are also examining the financial trail linked to the alleged operation.
Police are specifically looking into cryptocurrency payments, local bank accounts and other financial arrangements allegedly used to fund the narcotics trade.
Authorities are also working to verify the identities and roles of suspected foreign handlers based in Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa.
The investigation is being conducted in coordination with other law-enforcement agencies, customs authorities and international counterparts.
Police said further arrests could follow as investigators attempt to identify additional facilitators, beneficiaries and overseas connections linked to the alleged international narcotics network.
