Drug smuggling bid foiled in Gwadar, 2000 kg narcotics worth $134.43m seized

GWADAR: The Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) seized a large quantity of high-quality narcotics during intelligence-based anti-smuggling operations in the Gwadar region of Balochistan, including the areas of Hallery and Peshogan.

According to a statement issued by the PCG, teams recovered 1,400 kg of hashish, 105 kg of crystal meth (ice), 8 kg of heroin, and 6.5 kg of opium hidden in bushes in the Hallery area.

In a separate operation, the PCG confiscated 476 kg of high-quality hashish during snap-checking along the coastal route at Pasoo Gap in Peshogan. Authorities believe the narcotics were intended to be smuggled abroad via sea routes.

The seized drugs are estimated to be worth approximately $134.43 million in the international market.

The Pakistan Coast Guards reaffirmed their commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and all forms of smuggling to help safeguard and strengthen the national economy.

Earlier, the federal cabinet approved the launch of a ferry service connecting Gwadar in Balochistan with Oman, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced on Friday.

The move follows Pakistan’s recent decision to grant its first-ever international ferry service license to Sea Keepers, allowing operations on routes linking Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, said that Pakistan and Oman will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formally establish the ferry link. He added that the Gwadar–Oman ferry service is expected to become operational in the near future.

Chaudhry said an Omani delegation will visit Pakistan to finalize operational and technical arrangements for the new route. He noted that the ferry service is expected to boost bilateral trade volumes, attract investment, and significantly ease travel for Pakistani expatriates living in Oman.