US and Pakistani authorities have seized about 463 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in a joint operation.
The shipment carried an estimated value of $21 million. Authorities suspected the drugs originated in Afghanistan and were bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The US Embassy in Islamabad said the operation took place on August 30. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office in Islamabad coordinated the action with Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).
Karachi Port Unit Flags Suspected Shipment
The operation began after the ANF Port Control Unit in Karachi identified suspicious containers.
Between August 14 and 29, officials examined containers scheduled for transport from Pakistan to Colombo. The ANF suspected that the containers carried illegal narcotics.
The agency then alerted DEA Islamabad. Authorities from Pakistan, the United States and Sri Lanka coordinated the seizure.
The operation also involved Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau and the DEA office in New Delhi.
Several Suspects Arrested
Authorities seized the methamphetamine during the operation. They also arrested several suspects, including individuals of Pakistani origin.
Officials are continuing efforts to identify other people linked to the suspected narcotics network.
The US Embassy said the United States supports training for Pakistan’s ANF. It said this assistance helps strengthen cooperation against international drug trafficking.
US, Pakistan Strengthen Counter-Narcotics Cooperation
The latest seizure highlights cooperation between Pakistan, the United States and regional agencies.
Authorities aim to disrupt criminal networks involved in cross-border narcotics trafficking. The operation also shows the role of port monitoring in detecting suspicious shipments.
