ANF seizes 253kg of narcotics in Sindh, arrests 12 suspects

KARACHI: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Sindh has seized 253.31 kilograms of narcotics during six operations across the province, arresting 12 suspects, including two women, and impounding two vehicles.

According to ANF data, the seized contraband included 500 grams of heroin, 78.4kg of hashish, 3.51kg of methamphetamine (ice), 145kg of ketamine and 12.4kg of suspected substances. Authorities also recovered 46,200 diazepam tablets, 48,000 Stilonx tablets and 4,000 zolpidem tablets.

The provincial seizures were part of a nationwide crackdown in which the ANF conducted 43 operations, recovering 1,553.274kg of drugs with an estimated international market value of $68.453 million.

Mochko Check Post Key to Anti-Smuggling Efforts

Mochko Check Post, situated on Hub River Road, also known as the RCD Highway, in Karachi’s Keamari district, serves as a major entry and exit point connecting the city with Balochistan.

The strategically located checkpoint handles an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles daily, including passenger buses and cargo trucks. Sindh Police, Rangers’ 71 Wing, Pakistan Customs, Customs Intelligence and the Coast Guard are among the agencies deployed in the area.

Under a decision taken in a meeting chaired by DIGP South Syed Asad Raza, authorities planned to establish a joint check post on three acres of land at Mochko to strengthen security and curb smuggling.

The proposed facility includes round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, explosive detectors, scanners, X-ray machines, separate waiting areas for male and female passengers, biometric verification through NADRA, FIA and Excise, and K-9 units equipped to assist in searches.

Previous Recoveries at Mochko

The checkpoint has also been linked to several significant seizures. In July 2025, authorities recovered 3.16kg of hashish, reportedly worth Rs6 million, from a bus bearing registration number BTA-988.

Officials also seized Iranian diesel tankers carrying 30,000 litres of fuel valued at approximately Rs27 million. In another operation, a Customs Anti-Smuggling Organisation team recovered 200kg of hashish from a truck arriving from Quetta.

The latest ANF operations highlight continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt narcotics trafficking and strengthen surveillance along key routes linking Karachi with Balochistan.