RAWALPINDI, Feb 18: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), working in coordination with Qatari authorities, has seized as many as 4.48 kilograms of cocaine at Islamabad International Airport and arrested two suspects in a joint, intelligence-led operation.

According to the ANF spokesman, the operation followed enhanced cooperation agreed at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Conference on Counter Narcotics held in Islamabad in April 2025.

Acting on shared intelligence, ANF officials intercepted a Pakistani woman, identified as Sehrish Bano, who was travelling from Sharjah to Islamabad via Doha. A search of her hand-carried trolley bag led to the recovery of 4.482 kg (gross weight) of cocaine concealed in a manner designed to evade detection.

During questioning, the suspect disclosed that her handler, who was also linked to the intended recipient, was waiting outside the airport’s arrival area. ANF teams subsequently conducted a follow-up operation and arrested the handler, identified as Amir Asad Ullah, along with his vehicle.

Investigators said the drug-laden bag had been handed to the woman during transit at Hamad International Airport in Doha by a Nigerian national acting on the instructions of handlers based in the United Arab Emirates.

The arrested suspects, recovered narcotics, and the seized vehicle are in ANF custody, while coordinated investigations have been launched in Pakistan and Qatar, the spokesman informed.

He said the case demonstrated the growing use of women as couriers by trafficking networks seeking to avoid suspicion, and underscored the importance of international intelligence sharing in countering transnational drug crime.

ANF said it remained vigilant and committed to dismantling trafficking networks through close national and international cooperation.