RAWALPINDI: The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) busted an international drug trafficking network targeting youth in twin cities, arrested 20 Nigerian nationals, and recovered 4.432kg of narcotics during a crackdown in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

A spokesperson for ANF said in a press release that the ANF, in its ongoing nationwide campaign against drug trafficking, has achieved a significant breakthrough by conducting a major crackdown on the drug trafficking network operating in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Acting on credible intelligence, ANF conducted a coordinated intelligence-based operation at various locations across the twin cities, resulting in the arrest of 20 Nigerians allegedly involved in drug trafficking and recovered 4.43kg of narcotics.

The recovered drugs comprised 1.682kg cocaine, 2kg of methamphetamine (Ice) and 750 grams of weed, the spokesperson said.

According to intelligence reports, the ANF said that the arrested suspects were associated with an organised drug trafficking network allegedly involved in the smuggling, distribution and sale of cocaine, ice and weed among youth, particularly students of educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Preliminary investigations have further revealed that two of the arrested Nigerian nationals were already on bail in a previous narcotics-related case. ANF had been closely monitoring the activities of this organised drug trafficking network through sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance. Based on actionable intelligence and a well-coordinated operational strategy, successful operations were carried out against the suspects.

These operations demonstrate ANF’s professional capabilities, operational effectiveness and unwavering commitment to dismantling organised drug trafficking networks involved in the illicit transportation and distribution of narcotics.

ANF has expanded the scope of its investigations to identify potential facilitators, sources of narcotics supply, financial supporters, local contacts and possible connections with other drug trafficking organisations.

Anti-Narcotics Force remains fully committed to conducting vigorous and indiscriminate intelligence-based operations against drug traffickers, their facilitators, and organised drug trafficking networks.

In addition to enforcement operations, ANF is placing special emphasis on public awareness and protecting the younger generation from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.

In this regard, ANF appeals to parents, teachers, educational institutions and all segments of society to educate young people about the harmful effects of narcotics and report any suspicious drug trafficking activities in their surroundings to the ANF Helpline 1415.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2026