The successful operation carried out by the Pakistan Coast Guards in the Jiwani area is a prime achievement in this ongoing battle of drug smuggling that has been rampant in Balochistan. With a recovery of as much as 1832 kilograms of high-grade hashish estimated to be about $30.57 million, it shows the tenacity of efforts by the security forces to continue fighting the drugs in the area. These drugs, apparently concealed in some mountainous isolated area, seem to have been for both national and international distribution markets, suggesting the volume and scope of drug smuggling activities within Pakistan.
Pakistan shares a 2600 km area with Afghanistan, approximately the Border. In Balochistan, those drugs to Pakistan use porous entry points along the districts of Quetta, Chaghai, Noshki, Pishin, Zhob, Killa Saifullah, and Killa Abdullah: Loiband (Killa Saifullah), Chaman and Gulistan (Qilla Abdullah), Girdi Jungle and Bremen (Chagai), Punjpai (Quetta), Essa-Cha (Noshki) and Kamar-ud-din Karez (Zhob).
The smuggled narcotics leave Balochistan from Gwadar, Pasni, and several remote roads on the Makran Coast headed towards the Middle East and Europe.
Anti-Smuggling Operations Yield Major Drug Seizures in 2024
In 2024, anti-smuggling operations within Balochistan saw great success, with security forces heightened efforts to deter smuggling activities and control the illegal trade of narcotics. Different agencies carried out several significant operations; thus, it is visible that the forces genuinely aim at maintaining law and order in the region.
December Successes in Dalbandin
Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan (South) seized a substantial haul of drugs during operations in Dalbandin. Confiscated items included 10 kilograms of crystal meth (ice). Authorities also seized 30 kilograms of opium and 5 kilograms of hashish. Additionally, 25 kilograms of poppy seeds were recovered. The total estimated market value of these drugs was approximately 13.9 million PKR. This reflects a critical blow dealt to local smuggling networks.
Major Hashish Haul in November
In November, the Pakistan Coast Guards intercepted a significant smuggling attempt near Pasni in the coastal region of Balochistan. A staggering 1,136 kilograms of high-quality hashish were recovered, with an estimated global market value of $18.95 million. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence-driven initiatives in the fight against narcotics.
April to May Operations: Targeting Smuggling Networks
Between April 28 and May 4, the Pakistan Coast Guards executed comprehensive anti-smuggling operations from Jiwani to Hub. Among the seized items were 1.6 kilograms of crystal meth (ice), 1,149 packets of mixed gutka, and 917 cigarettes. The operations extended beyond drugs, disrupting the smuggling of other contraband, including oil and essential commodities.
March: A Record 12 Metric Tons of Drugs Seized
Between March 6 and 24, FC Balochistan (North) and other agencies coordinated sweeping anti-smuggling efforts across the region. These operations culminated in the seizure of an astonishing 12 metric tons of drugs, marking one of the largest interdictions of the year. This significant haul underscores the pervasive challenges posed by drug trafficking in Balochistan.
