ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have seized about 4.48 kilograms of cocaine at Islamabad International Airport and arrested two suspects in a joint operation coordinated with Qatar, Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) said on Tuesday.

Pakistan lies along regional trafficking routes connecting the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with airports — particularly transit hubs such as Doha — frequently used to move narcotics through couriers. Authorities say recent years have seen rising interceptions of cocaine shipments destined for urban markets.

“Following the GCC Conference on Counter Narcotics held at Islamabad in April 2025, Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan, in coordination with Qatari counterparts, has conducted a joint intelligence-based operation at Islamabad International Airport,” the ANF said in a statement.

“Operation underscores the effectiveness of enhanced intelligence sharing and operational coordination between Pakistan and Qatar in countering transnational drug trafficking,” the ANF added. 

“Cocaine — a highly dangerous and expensive narcotic, often linked to elite consumption — is increasingly being trafficked into Pakistan. ANF remains vigilant in monitoring and disrupting its inflow.”

The force said officers intercepted a Pakistani woman arriving from Sharjah via Doha after receiving shared intelligence and recovered cocaine concealed in a hand-carried trolley bag.

During questioning, investigators said the passenger identified a handler waiting outside the arrivals area, after which authorities detained a second suspect and seized a vehicle.

Investigators said the bag had allegedly been handed to the courier during transit at Hamad International Airport in Doha by a foreign national on instructions from handlers based in the United Arab Emirates, and that coordinated investigations were underway in both countries.

The ANF said the case highlighted cross-border trafficking networks using international transit routes and couriers, adding that the suspects and seized narcotics would remain in custody pending further investigation.