Heroin valued at $1.8m seized at Karachi airport

KARACHI: Pakistan customs foiled a bid to smuggle 20 kg. of heroin worth 200 million rupees ($1.8 million) in the international market and arrested two passengers — a married couple — at Jinnah International Airport on Tuesday.
The haul is the biggest quantity of drugs seized from passengers by customs staff or any other agency in the past decade.
“The drugs were cleverly concealed inside a false cavity of two suitcases, each containing 5 kg. of heroin,” Customs Collector, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed told a press conference. “The couple was leaving for the Maldives via Dubai by private airlines,” he added, confirming that both passengers were arrested immediately.
On questioning the couple revealed that a further 10 kg. of heroin was hidden in the garden of their home in the city.
“Interrogation revealed that two more suitcases containing the heroin powder for smuggling lie at their residence,” Dr. Iftikhar added. He revealed that customs officers recovered suitcases each containing 5 kg. heroin, making the total of 20 kg.
Customs officials are investigating whether the couple was acting alone or as part of a gang. The husband and wife have been remanded in custody by customs officials pending further inquiries.