KARACHI: A major narcotics investigation in Pakistan has uncovered what authorities describe as a sprawling international drug trafficking network linked to alleged drug kingpin Anmol alias “Pinky,” with connections stretching from Karachi to African countries and multiple Pakistani cities.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Karachi Police Additional Inspector General Azad Khan revealed that investigators recovered 869 contacts from the suspect’s mobile phone, exposing what officials believe is a sophisticated transnational drug syndicate.
“This case is a test for us and we will take it to its logical conclusion,” Azad Khan said, adding that law enforcement agencies were determined to dismantle the entire network.
According to police, at least 132 of the recovered phone numbers were traced to Karachi, while investigators obtained location data for 639 contacts. Authorities suspect that several foreign nationals, particularly individuals linked to African countries, are involved in the narcotics operation.
Police officials said the investigation has also uncovered Lahore-based operatives, including women allegedly working within the network. Authorities believe six to eight foreign nationals currently present in Lahore may be connected to the syndicate.
The case widened further after police conducted a raid at Anmol’s former residence in Karachi’s Sachal area, where narcotics were allegedly recovered. Investigators claim the drugs were being smuggled into Pakistan from abroad before being distributed locally through an organized supply chain.
Financial investigations have also raised serious concerns. Azad Khan disclosed that authorities are examining transactions worth nearly Rs300 million linked to the suspect’s accounts. Police are currently reviewing banking records and tracing financial facilitators believed to be supporting the operation.
Investigators say the accused had been involved in drug trafficking activities since 2014 and significantly expanded operations in Karachi around 2018. Officials claim she later shifted her operational base after coming under scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.
Authorities further alleged that the network relied heavily on online communication platforms and digital channels to coordinate drug distribution and sales across multiple cities.
The investigation has also triggered internal accountability measures within the police department. Azad Khan admitted there were serious institutional lapses in handling the matter, confirming that certain officers had been suspended while a fresh investigation committee had been constituted.
Anmol alias “Pinky” was arrested on May 12 during a targeted intelligence-based operation in Karachi. During the raid, police also detained an alleged cocaine dealer and recovered a 9mm pistol.
Officials confirmed that the suspect was produced before a court, which granted physical remand for further interrogation. Multiple criminal cases related to narcotics are already registered against her in Sindh, while proceedings have reportedly taken place in other provinces as well.
Meanwhile, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon termed the growing narcotics crisis a “global problem” and urged political parties not to politicize the issue.
Speaking in the Sindh Assembly, Memon said several organized groups across different sectors were involved in narcotics trafficking and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found connected to drug networks.
The latest revelations have intensified concerns over the scale of organized narcotics operations in Pakistan, particularly the growing role of digital networks and international connections in facilitating drug trafficking activities.
About The Author
