- FEU Noshki recovers 300kg of crystal meth hidden in modified truck fuel tank
- Two suspects arrested as huge seizure marks one of Balochistan’s biggest busts
ISLAMABAD: In one of the largest narcotics seizures in recent months, Customs Field Enforcement Unit (FEU) Noshki, Quetta, recovered over 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) worth approximately Rs18.67 billion during an operation on Saturday, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
The APP report cited Customs FEU officials as saying that the operation was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Collector FEU Noshki when enforcement staff intercepted a Hino truck traveling from Taftan towards Quetta.
During a thorough search of the vehicle, officials discovered a modified fuel tank fitted beneath the rear body of the truck. Upon detailed examination, the hidden compartment was found to contain boxes wrapped in plastic bags filled with a suspicious substance, APP added.
The two men aboard the truck failed to give any satisfactory explanation regarding the goods. Upon questioning, they identified themselves as Babul, son of Dil Murad, resident of Hoshab Tehsil, Kech (Turbat), District Kech—the driver—and Amin Baloch, son of Hussain, also a resident of Hoshab Tehsil, Kech District.
Following the discovery, FEU staff brought the vehicle and the seized boxes inside the unit’s premises for a detailed inspection. A comprehensive examination confirmed the substance to be crystal methamphetamine (Ice), weighing a total of 300 kilograms.
The value of the seized narcotics and the truck has been estimated at Rs18.67 billion, according to initial assessments. An FIR has been lodged against the two arrested individuals, and further investigation is underway to trace the network involved in the high-value drug smuggling attempt.
Officials said the seizure reflects the continued vigilance and operational readiness of FEU Noshki, which has been tightening its surveillance along routes connecting Taftan to Quetta — a corridor frequently exploited by traffickers.
They added that the latest interception underscores Pakistan Customs’ firm resolve to curb narcotics trafficking and cross-border smuggling, particularly in Balochistan’s border districts, which remain a critical frontline in the country’s anti-drug operations.
The massive recovery, authorities said, not only dealt a significant blow to regional drug syndicates but also prevented the flow of billions of rupees’ worth of narcotics into domestic and international markets.
Further legal proceedings and forensic analyses are being undertaken to determine the origin, purity, and intended destination of the seized methamphetamine.
Earlier on Tuesday, a Pakistan Navy ship seized narcotics worth more than $972 million from sailboats in the Arabian Sea, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Tuesday.
According to a statement from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)—a multinational naval partnership that includes the United States—the Pakistani naval vessel PNS Yarmook intercepted two traditional sailing vessels, known as dhows, within a span of 48 hours last week.
The crew seized several tons of crystal methamphetamine worth over $960 million, along with a smaller quantity of cocaine, CENTCOM said. The narcotics were transported back to the ship for testing and verification before being safely disposed of, the statement added.
The intercepted vessels were found to have no nationality, and authorities have not yet indicated their point of origin.
