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Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Dark web fuels drug shift: ANF
The use of the dark web and social media platforms to procure drugs using cryptocurrency has reached alarming levels, posing new challenges for Pakistan's anti-narcotics efforts. Authorities report a growing influx of weed and cocaine from Western and African countries, alongside a troubling shift from plant-based substances to synthetic drugs. The law enforcement agencies are tightening controls on drug smuggling via courier and parcel servicesroutes increasingly exploited by traffickers seeking to bypass conventional checkpoints. Over the past year, 33 drug trafficking groups, including a prominent Nigerian network, have been dismantled. Smugglers are also adopting increasingly sophisticated methods to conceal narcotics, often hiding them in sports goods, surgical instruments, and textile shipmentstactics seen not only as criminal but as attempts to damage Pakistan's global reputation. According to Brigadier Syed Imran Ali, Director Enforcement at the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Headquarters Pakistan has maintained its poppy-free status since 2001, a milestone reaffirmed this year. Speaking at a briefing in Karachi, Brigadier Ali noted that Pakistan's geographic location makes it a key transit route for international drug trafficking. He expressed concern over the rising use of the dark web and social media platforms for purchasing drugs through cryptocurrency, terming it a growing threat. Traffickers, he added, are increasingly shifting from plant-based substances to synthetic narcotics. Recent ANF operations have uncovered significant inflows of weed and cocaine from Western and African countries. Brigadier Muhammad Umar Farooq, Regional Directorate Commander Sindh, stated that a significant aspect of drug smuggling involves the courier and parcel system, both internationally and domestically. While major courier offices are equipped with scanners and require documents such as copies of national identity cards and complete addresses of senders and recipients, traffickers are exploiting loopholes in neighborhood-level parcel handling. As a result, institutional measures are being further strengthened to counter drug smuggling through couriers and parcels. Out of Pakistan's 240 million population, approximately 170 million are between the ages of 18 and 31. Protecting this vast youth demographic from the scourge of drugs is a national responsibility. While the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) continues its efforts to curb drug smuggling, there is a pressing need for widespread social awareness. Addressing this challenge requires collective action across all sectors of society. Providing details of crackdowns conducted throughout 2024 and the current mid-year periodspanning roughly one and a half yearsANF officials stated that joint operations with various individuals and institutions resulted in the seizure of 452 tons of drugs. Of this, the ANF alone recovered over 244 tons, accounting for more than 58 per cent of all anti-drug operations. At airports across the country, 436 suspects were arrested, and attempts to smuggle drugs through 373 parcels were foiled. Maritime operations led to the seizure of 19 containers. Efforts to smuggle drugs to Gulf countries were also thwarted, resulting in the arrest of 403 suspects and the seizure of 5,783 kilograms of narcotics. In collaboration with international organisations, 44 maritime operations were conducted against drug trafficking networks, leading to the dismantling of 33 groups, including a Nigerian syndicate. Attempts to malign Pakistan's reputation through drug smuggling concealed in sports goods, surgical instruments and textile products have been uncovered. Nationals from Afghanistan and Nigeria have been found to be more frequently involved in these operations. Meanwhile, Pakistan ranks fifth among the countries most affected by climate change. In line with environmental concerns, the ANF incinerates confiscated drugs in secure facilities rather than burning them in open fields. The rising use of drugs in educational institutions is alarming. The ANF has conducted multiple operations around these institutions, seizing 1,420 kilograms of drugs. A total of 363 operations aimed at curbing drug spread were carried out, leading to the arrest of 421 suspects identified through intelligence as suppliers to students. Since 2005, rehabilitation efforts have helped 30,000 drug addicts return to normal life. The ANF not only targets those involved in the drug trade but also actively pursues legal action to ensure their conviction. Following arrests, the ANF has achieved an impressive conviction rate of 85 per cent.
Business Recorder
23-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Legal custody of 14,000 kg of donkey hides: Customs enforcement-export collectorate tug of war intensifies
KARACHI: A tug of war between Customs enforcement and the export collectorate for taking the legal custody of 14,000 kilograms of donkey hides has intensified with the export collectorate filing a formal complaint against enforcement officials for alleged misconduct and violation of established procedures. A bitter jurisdictional dispute began on April 29, 2025, when Customs officials discovered the massive consignment of donkey hides during examination of a container at SAPT. The shipment, declared as 'leather goods' by a trading company through their clearing agent, was being exported to China when it was flagged for inspection despite initially passing through the green channel clearance process. According to a formal complaint, the consignment was first put on hold by the Anti-Narcotics Force on April 29, following routine examination procedures. However, the situation became complicated when the Port Control Unit of the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement applied an additional hold on the container, creating a conflict over which department had legal authority to handle the case. The export collectorate has accused the deputy collector of the PCU Enforcement of overstepping the jurisdiction and violating established Customs procedures outlined in CGO number 3 of 2018. The complaint alleged that the deputy collector insisted on taking custody of the container and removing it from the port area without following the proper joint examination procedures required under the regulations. The banned donkey hides were identified as prohibited exports under an Economic Coordination Committee order from September 2015, which classified such shipments as restricted items. The discovery has highlighted ongoing concerns about illegal wildlife trade and the enforcement of export regulations at Pakistani ports. It further claimed that the enforcement collectorate acted unilaterally in removing the container from port premises, bypassing mandatory joint examination procedures that require cooperation between both departments, arguing that donkey hides did not fall under the specific mandate of the PCU, which is primarily designed to target narcotics, psychotropic substances, explosives, and other security-related contraband. The complaint alleged that this incident represents a pattern of jurisdictional overreach by enforcement officials, with the export collectorate providing a list of similar cases where holds were improperly applied to their operations. 'Such actions could create serious operational anomalies and increase friction between different customs departments, it added. Earlier, the enforcement collectorate in an official media statement claimed they successfully intercepted the said banned shipment that had been cleared through the green channel and was being prepared for loading onto a China-bound vessel after getting a permit from the export collectorate. They maintained that their intervention prevented the illegal export of prohibited materials. The complaint has asked the Federal Board of Revenue to investigate the matter and take action against what the export collectorate describes as misconduct and misuse of authority. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan eyes enhanced cooperation with Saudi Arabia to prevent drug trafficking
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan wants to enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia in curbing illicit activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday. Pakistan this week organized the Pak-GCC Regional Narcotics Conference, organized by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in Islamabad, where delegates from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait gathered to develop a joint strategy against narcotics trafficking and abuse. Naqvi visited the Saudi embassy in Islamabad on Sunday where he met Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki. The two discussed matters of mutual interest, enhancing bilateral relations and increasing mutual cooperation, the interior ministry said. 'We want to enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia to prevent drug trafficking and human smuggling,' Naqvi was quoted as saying by his ministry. Islamabad has been worried about the trend of Pakistani beggars abusing visas to beg in foreign countries. Pakistan fears this could impact genuine visa-seekers and particularly religious pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. According to widespread media reports, Riyadh raised this issue with Islamabad at various forums last year. Naqvi assured Malki that the government has 'tightened the noose' around the begging mafia in Pakistan. 'New conditions are being imposed for obtaining passports to curb begging and illegal immigration,' he said. Naqvi thanked Saudi Arabia for releasing a Pakistani family that had been 'framed' for smuggling narcotics to the Kingdom earlier this year. 'Saudi Arabia provided significant support for the release and repatriation of the innocent family,' he said. 'Thanks to the cooperation of the Saudi government, five members of the family were released and returned home,' he added. As per the interior ministry, Malki said Riyadh enjoyed close relations with Islamabad and wanted to strengthen them further. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial relations rooted in shared faith, culture and traditions. Pakistanis are the second-largest expatriate community in the Kingdom, with over 2.5 million living and working in Saudi Arabia, the top source of remittances to the South Asian country.
Arab News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan ready to boost anti-narcotics cooperation with Gulf states — interior minister
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday called for enhanced regional coordination to combat drug trafficking, saying his country was ready to expand counter-narcotics cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states through intelligence sharing, joint training and technical collaboration. Naqvi issued the statement while speaking at the Pak-GCC Regional Narcotics Conference, organized by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in Islamabad, where delegates from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait gathered to develop a joint strategy against narcotics trafficking and abuse. 'The Government of Pakistan stands ready to deepen its cooperation with the GCC states in every area of counter-narcotics,' Naqvi said. 'We seek to strengthen mechanisms for intelligence sharing, joint training, real-time coordination and forensic and technological collaboration.' Naqvi stressed that the success of anti-drug efforts depended on collective commitment and sustained collaboration among regional partners. He said the presence of GCC delegates at the conference demonstrated their shared resolve to combat drug trafficking and abuse. 'Your presence here reflects our collective resolve to strengthen cooperation, share intelligence and forge actionable strategies to combat drug trafficking and abuse,' he said. He emphasized that Pakistan and its regional partners must act decisively to address the evolving challenges posed by narcotics. 'Today, our regional friends have come together with a sense of urgency and responsibility, as the global drug problem continues to evolve in scale, complexity and impact,' he said. 'I am confident that through joint action and sustained partnership, we can reverse this growing threat and protect future generations,' he added. Naqvi said Pakistan and GCC states shared deep historical, religious and cultural ties, making it all the more important to work together for a region 'safer, healthier and free from the destructive influence of narcotics.'
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Drugs Impacting The Youth
Pakistan lies at the tri-junction of South Asia, West Asia, and Central Asia. Its geo-proximity with Afghanistan makes it particularly vulnerable to Afghan-produced drugs. Afghanistan produces nearly ninety percent of the world's opium, the bulk of which is trafficked to the illicit market. Around forty percent of Afghan-produced drugs pass through Pakistan. It is in this vein that Pakistan can rightfully be called a victim and transit state. Pakistan is a country of over 240 million people, out of which nearly 154 million (sixty-four percent) are in the age bracket of 18–35 years. This youth bulge is a unique demographic dividend that distinguishes Pakistan from its contemporaries. The asset can be converted into a liability if not taken care of well. Drug abuse is one such threat to our youth that needs immediate attention. Plant-based drugs have been a source of concern for the world community for a long time now. However, the advent of synthetic drugs has further compounded the issue. Designer drugs, party drugs, and the use of psychotropic substances are the new dimensions of threat. The alarming surge in the use of drugs within educational institutions is a serious concern, menacing the fabric of society and the future of Pakistani youth. The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), being a premier counter-narcotics (CN) law enforcement agency (LEA), puts in relentless efforts to save Pakistani youth from the menace of drug abuse. ANF is spearheading a nationwide campaign in concert with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. The campaign is centered around educational institutions, particularly the universities in Pakistan. Subsequently, the process will be expanded to colleges and schools, involving Provincial Governments, District Administrations, and other LEAs. The purpose of this counter-narcotics campaign is to sanitize areas around the educational institutions, besides undertaking awareness initiatives and other healthy extracurricular activities within the campuses, involving their faculty, parents, and the students. Concurrently, areas around educational institutions are cleaned of drug pushers and suppliers. Resultantly, sizeable chunks of narcotics have been seized from areas surrounding educational institutions, along with many hundred culprits arrested and a similar number of cases filed, only during 2024. This is one initiative that needs support from all walks of life. Like all premier CN agencies, ANF has three major undertakings: Demand Supply Reduction (DSR), Drug Demand Reduction (DDR), and International Cooperation (IC). DSR includes all activities pertaining to enforcement, which encompasses acquisition of intelligence on drug traffickers and networks, conduct of kinetic operations to seize drugs and case properties, investigation to reach the sources of supply, and finally, prosecution of filed cases in specially designated counter-narcotics courts. DDR involves awareness campaigns to raise people's knowledge about the ill effects of drug use. It entails the organization of extracurricular activities like sports, academic measures, and community events. International Cooperation (IC) is the strength of ANF through which it assists the international community in combating drug abuse. It is a stark reality that despite all the good efforts and best practices of ANF, the threat of drug abuse in educational institutions is increasing. It gets more intricate and complex with the use of social media networks (SMNs), the Dark Web, and cryptocurrencies. In the Mustafa Amir case as well, both the deceased and the main culprit were found to be involved in the sale and supply of weed through SMNs/Dark Web. Students are not only consuming narcotics but are increasingly becoming part of drug trafficking networks, converting a place of learning into a breeding ground for crime. This crisis demands immediate intervention from all stakeholders like teachers, students, parents, law enforcers, and society for safeguarding our youth from this devastating hazard. ANF is running a well-thought-out CN campaign through educational awareness, targeted operations, and strategic collaborations. Contrarily, however, drug traffickers are also constantly evolving, using advanced tactics such as cryptocurrency transactions and Dark Web dealings to evade arrests. It is time that the unchecked drug involvement of young boys and girls is subjected to individual accountability, parental oversight, societal vigilance, and stringent legal actions to combat the menace. No state institution can undertake this mammoth task singly. The enormity of the challenge demands a whole-of-the-system and whole-of-the-nation approach to accrue the desired objectives. We need to apply a synergetic and synchronized approach towards this crisis. Parents must keep an eye on the activities of their kids and notice any unusual change in their lifestyles and attitudes. Faculty of educational institutions and their administration should ensure enforcement of well-chalked-out counter-narcotics measures within the premises of their institutions. CN LEAs must develop their capability with matching resolve to take the bull by the horns. The efficacy of the criminal justice system for conviction of apprehended individuals remains equally important. This is not just an institutional responsibility but a societal duty to ensure that young minds do not fall into the abyss of drug addiction and crime. As a matter of fact, this is the fight for the survival and well-being of Pakistani youth; therefore, all energies must be channelized for its success. A drug-free Pakistan with a happy and healthy young population can guarantee assured success and prosperity. Dr Sana Imran is permanent faculty at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). She can be reached at chivalier37@
