Lyari gang member held in joint raid

The Sindh Rangers and police have arrested an alleged member of the Lyari gang war's Abdul Samad group in a joint intelligence-based operation conducted in the Pak Colony area of Karachi.

The suspect, identified as Aamir, was allegedly involved in extortion, drug trafficking and smuggling of betel nuts. According to a Rangers spokesperson, narcotics, weapons and ammunition were seized from the suspect’s possession during the raid. According to initial investigations, the suspect joined the Abdul Samad group in 2024 and had since been actively involved in extortion, drug distribution and betel nuts smuggling.

Officials said the gang leader, Abdul Samad, operated from abroad and had sent Rs210,000 to Aamir via Easypaisa to facilitate the illegal trade. During interrogation, Aamir confessed to collecting and transferring proceeds from drug and betel nut sales to Abdul Samad overseas.

He also allegedly provided funds to target killers operating in Karachi. Moreover, the suspect admitted to purchasing drugs and betel nut from a supplier named Qudratullah Afghani and distributing them in interior Sindh through individuals identified as Ghauri and Jam Khan.

Aamir also reportedly revealed that he would gather mobile numbers of betel nut sellers and other businessmen and forward them to Abdul Samad abroad to pressure them for extortion. The Rangers spokesperson said that just last month, multiple shooting incidents occurred in Karachi’s New Karachi area, allegedly ordered by Abdul Samad after extortion demands were refused. These attacks resulted in the deaths of a young girl and a passerby.

Aamir was reportedly serving as a facilitator for Abdul Samad and had been in hiding to evade arrest. The suspect, along with the recovered narcotics and weapons, has been handed over to the police for initiation of legal proceedings. The Rangers spokesperson urged the citizens to report any criminal activity or suspicious elements by contacting the nearest Rangers check post, sending a message via WhatsApp at 0347-9001111, calling the Rangers helpline 1101 or through SMS.