950806

Member of drug

smugglers gang

arrested

QUETTA: The Anti-Narcotic Force Quetta has arrested a member of an international gang of drug smugglers who had allegedly smuggled charas, opium and heroin worth billions of rupees to foreign countries.

The Director Narcotic Force Col. Ehsanul Haq told a hurriedly called press conference that Haji Abdul Hakeem alias Chacha Hakeem Panjgoori was involved in the 40 tonnes of charas seized at Ormara April this year but had escaped arrest.

He said that working on a tip all the concerned agencies were alerted and a vigilant watch was maintained on railway stations, airport and bus stops. He reached Quetta by air on Friday and after being spotted he was taken into custody and later it was confirmed that he was the genuine accused involved in international drug smuggling. Haji Abdul Hakeem was travelling on fake documents and did not resist arrest.

Col. Ehsan said that Haji Hakeem was also a member of smugglers who had attempted to smuggle out 30 tons of contraband charas in 1993 and the Khuzdar district and sessions judge had issued non-bailable arrest warrants. Further investigations are in progress.-APP