KARACHI – Airport Security Force (ASF) recovered 1,300 grams of heroin worth approximately Rs 13 million from a Dubai-bound passenger during a raid at Jinnah International airport Karachi early Monday.
The heroin was found hidden in the passenger’s suitcase. The ASF, after seizing the contraband, handed over the passenger to Anti-Narcotics Force.
PIA, founded in 1955 has staved off several attempts made to smuggle illegal drugs on its flights in the past.
In May 2016, 27 kg of heroin was recovered on board a PIA aircraft while routine maintenance was being carried out at a PIA hangar at the Karachi airport.
In December last year heroin worth Rs 170 million was seized from a PIA aircraft, which was ready to take off for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
On January 4, Airport Security Force (ASF) foiled a passenger’s attempt to smuggle heroin on a Saudi Arabia-bound aeroplane at Islamabad airport.
Heroin worth Rs. 7 million was recovered from a PIA aircraft in February 2017 as well, according to a customs department spokesman.
PIA crew members have also been arrested in the past for attempting to smuggle narcotics on flights bound for international destinations.
