Attempt to Smuggle Drugs Worth $9,991,079 to Sierra Leone Foiled in Pakistan

Pakistani authorities have intercepted a massive shipment of the highly addictive drug Tramadol, destined for Sierra Leone, highlighting concerns over international drug trafficking routes. The illicit cargo, disguised as a shipment of towels, was seized at a Karachi seaport, marking the second major Tramadol seizure in Pakistan within a month.

According to the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Karachi, a staggering 5.6 million Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets were confiscated last Saturday. The estimated value of the seized drugs is approximately 2.8 billion Pakistani Rupees ($9,991,079), originating from India.

This incident follows a previous seizure last month, where Pakistani Customs recovered 21.8 million Tramadol tablets and 7,000 capsules, valued at 10 billion Pakistani Rupees. These incidents confirm that Sierra Leone is a target for a well organized international drug smuggling network.

The smugglers attempted to export the Tramadol to Freetown, Sierra Leone, falsely declaring the shipment as “towels.” The exporting company, Ahmad Trading, had filed the necessary documentation with the Exports Collectorate, Karachi, and the consignment was initially cleared through the Risk Management System’s green channel, which typically bypasses thorough examination.

However, acting on credible intelligence, Customs authorities flagged the container at the Qasim International Container Terminal. A subsequent scan and physical examination revealed the hidden Tramadol tablets, along with undeclared biscuits, concealed behind a facade of legitimate goods.

The First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against Ahmad Trading and their clearing agent, Speed Line (Private) Limited, for violating the Customs Act and the Import and Export Control Act 1950. The authorities allege that the companies misused the green channel and provided false declarations to facilitate the smuggling operation.

Tramadol, a controlled psychotropic drug in many countries, is widely abused in Africa and the Middle East, making Sierra Leone a point of transit, or final destination in this illegal trade.

The Customs authorities are now working to dismantle the entire smuggling network involved in this illicit trade. The investigation highlights the challenges faced in combating international drug trafficking and the need for enhanced security measures at ports to prevent such shipments from reaching Sierra Leone and other destinations.