Drug gang busted as framed family returns home after Saudi detention
1. Arrested suspects manipulated airport staff to swap baggage tag of passenger
LAHORE: Nine suspected members of an international drug gang have been arrested for orchestrating a baggage tag swap at Lahore airport, which led to the wrongful arrest of an innocent family in Saudi Arabia.
The detained family has now been released and safely returned to Pakistan, thanks to the efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) following special directives from Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi.
Upon their return, Naqvi personally visited the family at their residence, accompanied by Director General ANF Maj-Gen Abdul Mueed. Expressing his relief, Naqvi stated, “The suffering you endured is beyond words,” while commending ANF’s diligence in tracking down the real culprits. He also acknowledged the Saudi government’s cooperation in securing the family's release.
ANF launched a thorough investigation, analyzing CCTV footage to trace the entry and exit points involved. A key airport porter was detained, which led to the exposure of the entire network. Consequently, nine individuals, including the gang leader, were arrested.
The suspects had manipulated airport staff to swap the baggage tag of Farhana Akram, a resident of Lahore’s Marghzar Colony, who was traveling to Saudi Arabia with her four family members. The family was detained upon arrival on December 30. ANF provided concrete evidence to Saudi authorities, which facilitated their release.
Praising ANF’s swift action, Naqvi announced special awards for the investigation team, stating, “ANF fought this case with unmatched dedication—no one fights even their own cases this way.”
Among the ANF officials present were Regional Director Brigadier Sikandar Hayat, Director Enforcement Brigadier Imran, and Director Intelligence Colonel Kamran.
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