Police have uncovered a serious and alarming drug smuggling network that used Umrah pilgrims to traffic narcotics to Saudi Arabia.
According to police, a major drug dealer identified as Shah Saddam was arrested for smuggling crystal meth, commonly known as “ice,” by deceiving innocent citizens with offers of free Umrah trips. The suspect allegedly used the pilgrims as carriers without their knowledge.
As a result of this scheme, five Pakistani Umrah pilgrims, including three women, were arrested in Saudi Arabia. Saudi courts later sentenced each of them to 25 years in prison after narcotics were recovered from their possession.
Investigations revealed that before departing from Islamabad, the pilgrims were given bags, clothes, and shoes as gifts. They were told that these items would be collected at Jeddah Airport.
However, the so-called gifts were used to conceal approximately 5.5 kilograms of crystal meth, which the pilgrims unknowingly carried.
The successful operation was carried out by Kharrarianwala Police Station under the leadership of SHO Muhammad Riaz. During the raid, police recovered more than five kilograms of hashish from Shah Saddam and arrested him at the scene.
Police officials said the suspect was actively involved in the supply of hashish and crystal meth across multiple areas and was operating a well-organized drug trafficking network. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members involved.
Speaking on the occasion, SP Bakhtiar Ahmed said that eliminating drugs from the area is a top priority for the police. He added that strict and indiscriminate action would continue against those destroying the future of the younger generation.
