Pakistan, Qatar Foil Cocaine Smuggling at Islamabad Airport, Arrest Two Suspects

Two suspects were recently arrested by an effective joint operation between Pakistan and Qatar at Islamabad International Airport, preventing a significant drug smuggling attempt that had eluded detection for some time.

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in collaboration with Qatari authorities conducted this intelligence-led operation. Acting on shared information verified through investigation, ANF personnel intercepted a Pakistani female passenger named Sehrish Bano who was heading to Islamabad from Sharjah via Doha. Authorities discovered 4.482 kilograms of cocaine concealed within her trolley bag during the thorough search.

In an interrogation, the suspect revealed that her handler — connected to the intended recipient — was present outside the airport arrivals hall. On this information, ANF personnel apprehended Aamir Asadullah, his vehicle, and the handler simultaneously.

The seized narcotics had been expertly concealed, highlighting the sophistication of the criminal networks involved. The investigation revealed that the drug-laden bag had been handed over by a Nigerian national to Bano during transit at Hamad International Airport, under instructions from handlers based in the United Arab Emirates.

The arrested suspects and recovered narcotics have now been taken into custody. Additional coordinated investigations are ongoing in both Pakistan and Qatar. ANF officials highlighted this joint operation as an exemplar of effective intelligence sharing and operational cooperation against international drug trafficking.

ANF further emphasized that cocaine, a highly dangerous and expensive illicit drug often linked to affluent circles, continues to be trafficked into the country. Authorities noted that women are frequently coerced or deceived into carrying these narcotics by smugglers, to avoid suspicion.