463kg Afghan-origin meth seized in US-Pakistan coordinated operation

US and Pakistani authorities have played a key role in a coordinated international operation that led to the seizure of approximately

ISLAMABAD:  US and Pakistani authorities have played a key role in a coordinated international operation that led to the seizure of approximately 463 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, with the consignment reportedly valued at around $21 million.

The seizure was linked to a shipment moving from Pakistan towards Colombo, with Sri Lankan authorities subsequently recovering the narcotics from containers at Colombo Port. Sri Lanka Police confirmed that 463 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”, were found concealed inside a consignment of towels.

According to the information provided by authorities, Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) worked with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), while Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau and the DEA’s New Delhi office were also involved in the wider operation.

Between August 14 and 29, Pakistani authorities identified suspicious containers scheduled for movement from Pakistan to Colombo. The consignment was suspected of containing narcotics originating from Afghanistan.

The shipment was subsequently intercepted through international coordination and intelligence sharing. Sri Lankan authorities inspected the containers at Colombo Port with the assistance of Customs and recovered the drugs concealed among towel consignments.

Several suspects were arrested during the investigation. Sri Lanka Police initially reported the arrest of a 44-year-old man from Dematagoda, followed by the detention of three additional suspects, including Pakistani nationals.

The case has highlighted the importance of cooperation between law-enforcement agencies in different countries in tackling transnational drug trafficking networks.

Pakistan’s role in international anti-narcotics efforts

Officials familiar with Pakistan’s anti-narcotics operations said the latest seizure demonstrates the importance of intelligence sharing, port surveillance and coordinated investigations in disrupting international drug-trafficking routes.

Pakistan’s ANF has long been involved in intercepting narcotics at airports, seaports, border crossings and other trafficking routes. Officials said the agency’s port-control and intelligence mechanisms are intended to prevent illegal consignments from being transported through Pakistani territory to international destinations.

A senior official told Minute Mirror that Pakistan’s anti-narcotics efforts are not limited to protecting its own population but also contribute to international efforts against organised drug trafficking.

“Pakistan is fighting the flow of narcotics at multiple levels, from border areas and ports to intelligence-led investigations,” the official said.

The official added that cooperation with international agencies allows investigators to exchange information about suspected trafficking networks, identify suspicious shipments and prevent consignments from reaching their intended destinations.

Sri Lankan authorities said the seized methamphetamine had been carefully concealed inside containers carrying body wipes or towels. Investigations are continuing to determine the wider network responsible for arranging the shipment and to identify additional suspects.

The seizure has also drawn attention to the wider regional challenge posed by Afghan-origin narcotics and the use of maritime routes for international trafficking.

Authorities in Pakistan and other countries continue to strengthen monitoring of suspicious cargo, particularly at major ports and international transit points.

The latest operation demonstrates how information sharing between national and international law-enforcement agencies can help intercept large narcotics consignments before they reach their intended markets.

For Pakistan, the operation also places renewed focus on the role of the ANF in preventing the country’s territory and ports from being exploited by international drug-trafficking networks.