KARACHI: Police on Tuesday arrested a “most-wanted” woman accused of supplying cocaine and other narcotics across the city, an official statement said.

According to the statement, a joint operation was conducted by a police team from Garden Police Station and a civilian intelligence agency to arrest the accused after midnight.

“A female suspect identified as Anmol alias Pinki, allegedly involved in supplying cocaine and other deadly narcotics across the city, has been arrested,” the statement said.

It added that the accused was “most-wanted” by police and had been absconding in several cases.

“One pistol, cocaine worth millions of rupees, chemicals, and other narcotics were recovered from the accused,” claimed police.

In its statement, the police further said the accused was operating an “organised and extensive network” for narcotics dealing and supply, adding that she used to supply drugs online in Clifton, DHA, and other areas of Karachi through designated riders.

The accused also used female riders to protect her network from law enforcement agencies.

“The accused’s customers included students as well as prominent personalities,” it said, adding that she sold narcotics worth hundreds of thousands of rupees daily through various methods.

Meanwhile, the police have also registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against the accused under various clauses of the Sindh Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 2024, and the Sindh Arms Act, 2013.

Talking to Dawn, South Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Syed Asad Raza said that Anmol alias Pinki has two brothers, Nasir and Shaukat, who are her facilitators.

“Nasir allegedly sends narcotics from Punjab to Karachi through girls; meanwhile, Shaukat has previously been arrested in Karachi by Gizri and Saddar Police Stations,” he said.

DIG Asad stated that her ex-husband, Rana Nasir, was also her facilitator and was involved in introducing her to these activities.

“She had been residing in the Gulistan-i-Jauhar area of Karachi for approximately one and a half years,” he said.

No handcuffs during court appearance

As the accused was presented before the court to record a statement, a video of her walking through the court’s corridor without handcuffs, wearing sunglasses and carrying a water bottle, went viral on social media.

The video shows the accused being guided by the investigating officer, who was walking behind her.

Karachi Additional Inspector-General (AIG) Azad Khan has taken strict notice of a news report aired on a private TV channel claiming that alleged drug dealer, Anmol, was presented in court without handcuffs for physical remand.

“AIG Azad has immediately sought a detailed report from the South DIG regarding the incident and ordered an inquiry to determine the responsibilities of the relevant officers,” said a statement issued by his office.

“He clarified that all police officers and personnel are bound to perform their duties in accordance with the law and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and that any negligence or carelessness will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” it said.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has taken strict notice of the matter related to her appearance in court, according to a statement issued by his office.

“The Sindh home minister has sought an immediate report from Karachi AIG Azad Khan and ordered a transparent inquiry into the incident,” it said.

“How was protocol provided to the accused? All responsible personnel should submit an explanation,” the statement quoted Lanjar as saying, adding that immediate action should be taken against the police personnel who provided protocol to the accused.

“Such conduct is unacceptable under any circumstances. Those found negligent should be punished in accordance with the law. No criminal is above the law, and every individual should be treated in accordance with the law,” he said. “The police uniform is a symbol of public trust.”

He asserted that misuse of authority would not be tolerated, saying, “Strict action will be taken against those damaging the credibility of law enforcement agencies.”

He maintained that providing unnecessary protocol to accused persons in courts is against the requirements of justice. “The Sindh government will make no compromise on the rule of law.”

“Elements undermining citizens’ trust deserve no leniency,” the home minister said.

“The Home Department is closely monitoring the matter, and further strict decisions will be taken after the report is received,” Lanjar said.

Police officials suspended

Three police officers were suspended on Tuesday evening after authorities took notice of a video showing the accused inside the court premises without handcuffs.

DIG Asad told Dawn that the Garden station house officer, the Garden senior investigating officer (SIO), and the investigating officer (IO) had been suspended.

He said he would also submit a report against the City senior superintendent of police (SSP) to higher authorities for appropriate action.

He added that the South SSP had been directed to conduct an inquiry into the incident.

The DIG Asad said that there were a total of 14 cases against Anmol alias Pinki. Police presented her before the court on Tuesday to seek physical custody in three cases but she was sent to judicial custody.

He said the police would file a review before the district judge on Wednesday against the judicial remand. He said a murder case was also registered against her at the Baghdadi Police Station of Lyari.