QUETTA: Customs authorities in Quetta carried out a major anti-narcotics operation and seized crystal meth, commonly known as ice, valued at more than Rs180 million from a truck allegedly being used to transport the illegal substance to major cities across the country.
According to customs officials, the operation was conducted following intelligence information received by Collector Customs Shahid Khan and Deputy Collector Customs Rizwan regarding the movement of narcotics through the region.
Acting on the tip-off, a team led by Drakshan Customs Inspector Muhammad Ali Mandokhail intercepted a truck and carried out a thorough search. During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered a significant quantity of crystal meth that had been concealed inside the vehicle in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Customs authorities stated that the estimated value of the seized narcotics exceeds Rs180 million. Preliminary investigations suggest that the illegal drugs were being transported to major urban centres for distribution.
During the operation, the truck driver allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. Authorities have taken the truck and the recovered narcotics into custody.
Officials said that an investigation has been initiated to identify and apprehend the absconding suspect and determine whether a larger drug trafficking network was involved in the smuggling attempt.
Law enforcement agencies in Pakistan have intensified efforts against narcotics trafficking in recent years, conducting intelligence-based operations aimed at disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs and dismantling organised smuggling networks.
Customs officials reiterated their commitment to continuing operations against drug smugglers and bringing those involved in illegal narcotics trade to justice.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet released further details regarding the quantity of narcotics seized or the intended destination of the consignment.
