Pakistan International airlines
Police in Pakistan have arrested a former flight technician they believe was part of a drug-smuggling ring that was using the UAE as a stopover in a global heroin-dealing racket.
Drug-squad cops have been targetting workers from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) – the country’s national carrier – after being tipped off that a gang was smuggling huge amounts of heroin to international destinations via the Middle East.
Gulzar Ahmed was arrested on Friday at Allama Iqbal Airport in Lahore. He was about to board a private plane bound for Abu Dhabi when airport security allegedly found 3kg of heroin in his suitcase lining. Cops believe his final destination was likely to be in Europe. Six months ago police arrested an air hostess and her husband at Islamabad Airport.
The couple allegedly had 8kg of heroin in their luggage as they were about to board a flight for Barcelona via Oman. A few days later, an air steward was arrested in Karachi. Police believe he had been due to join the couple on their smuggling operation but missed the flight. PIA has not commented on the latest arrest but, according to cops, it had provided a list of suspect employees.
A member of Pakistan’s anti-narcotic force said it was “too early to confirm” how many employees were involved.
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