Drug gang busted as framed family returns home after Saudi detention

LAHORE: Nine suspected members of an international drug gang have been arrested for framing an innocent family at Lahore airport by swapping their baggage tag, which led to the family’s arrest in Saudi Arabia.

The wrongly implicated family, earlier detained in Saudi Arabia, has been released and safely returned to Pakistan. Their release was secured through 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 visited the family’s residence to meet them personally. He was accompanied by Director General ANF Maj-Gen Abdul Mueed.

The minister congratulated the family on their freedom and safe return. “The suffering you endured is beyond words,” Naqvi stated, highlighting ANF’s efforts in tracking down the real culprits. He also thanked the Saudi government for their cooperation in securing the family’s release.

ANF launched an extensive investigation using CCTV footage to trace all entry and exit points. A key airport porter was detained, leading to the revelation of the entire network. As a result, nine suspects, including the gang leader, were arrested.

The arrested suspects had manipulated airport staff to swap the baggage tag of Farhana Akram, a resident of Lahore’s Marghzar Colony, who travelled to Saudi Arabia with four family members. The family was detained on December 30 upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. ANF provided concrete evidence to Saudi authorities, facilitating the family’s 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.”

ANF officials present on the occasion included Regional Director Brigadier Sikandar Hayat, Director Enforcement Brigadier Imran, and Director Intelligence Colonel Kamran.