Busting of International Afghan based Drug Trafficking Networks in Colombo Sri Lanka
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) has helped dismantle an international drug trafficking network allegedly based in Afghanistan, leading to the seizure of 671 kilograms of methamphetamine (Ice) from Karachi and Colombo ports.
According to an ANF spokesperson, the network was allegedly using Pakistani territory as a transit route to move Afghan-origin narcotics to international markets.
The breakthrough came after ANF developed actionable intelligence about the transnational trafficking organization. During an operation at Karachi Port, authorities recovered 200kg of methamphetamine concealed in a container and arrested an Afghan national identified as the alleged mastermind, Ehsan Ullah, along with local handlers.
Following an investigation, ANF shared key intelligence with Sri Lankan authorities and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding the international trafficking network.
The information helped facilitate a coordinated operation at Colombo Port, where Sri Lankan authorities, in coordination with the DEA, recovered another 471kg of methamphetamine reportedly concealed inside towels.
The combined seizures from Karachi and Colombo brought the total quantity of methamphetamine linked to the network to 671kg.
The ANF said its intelligence-based approach played a central role in identifying and disrupting the trafficking network and preventing the narcotics from reaching international destinations.
The force further said that its cooperation with international law enforcement agencies reflects Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international counter-narcotics obligations.
According to the spokesperson, Sri Lankan authorities and the US DEA have formally acknowledged ANF’s contribution to the operation, particularly its role in identifying Afghan-based drug traffickers and their local facilitators.
The development highlights growing international cooperation among law enforcement agencies to disrupt transnational narcotics networks and prevent the movement of Afghan-origin drugs through regional transit routes.