ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has busted an Afghanistan-based international drug smuggling network, leading to the seizure of a total of 671 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, in coordinated operations at Karachi and Colombo ports.
According to an ANF spokesperson, the operation began with the recovery of 200kg of ice from a container at Karachi Port. An alleged Afghan ringleader, identified as Ehsanullah, and a local facilitator were arrested in connection with the consignment.
During interrogation of the Afghan suspect, investigators obtained key information regarding another drug consignment destined for Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The ANF subsequently shared actionable intelligence with Sri Lankan authorities and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), enabling a coordinated international operation.
Acting on the intelligence, authorities at Colombo Port recovered 471kg of ice concealed in towels.
The two operations resulted in the seizure of a combined 671kg of ice allegedly linked to the same Afghan-based trafficking network.
The ANF spokesperson said Pakistan remained a state affected by Afghan-origin narcotics and continued to take measures against transnational drug trafficking networks.
Sri Lankan authorities and the US DEA formally appreciated the ANF’s professional capabilities and cooperation, according to the spokesperson.
The ANF said the operation demonstrated its intelligence capabilities and the importance of international coordination in combating cross-border narcotics trafficking.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026