Mirpur (Azad Kashmir) News desk In a significant operation, Mirpur Police have busted an international drug network, arresting 10 individuals including the network’s kingpin, Arshad Balu. The police have also recovered local and foreign currency worth millions of rupees, a large quantity of heroin, and weapons from the suspects’ possession.
SSP Mirpur Khawar Ali Shaukat, accompanied by SP Aamir Nawab, revealed this major development during a press conference. He stated that the police, acting on a tip-off, successfully dismantled this international network. The arrested individuals include the ringleader of the group, Arshad Balu.
According to the police, during the operation, over four kilograms of heroin, local and foreign currency exceeding one crore rupees, a large number of illegal weapons, more than 77 bank account registers, and five vehicles were recovered.
SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat further disclosed that the main accused, Arshad Balu, was also a fugitive in a heroin smuggling case in the UK and had returned to Pakistan after being released on bail to operate this network.
The statements of the arrested suspects, including Arshad Balu, have been recorded, and the police are conducting further investigations. Initial investigations have also revealed an extensive network of financial transactions and currency exchange, through which illegal transfers of millions of rupees were being made. The police have also recovered more currency and weapons in this regard.
SSP Mirpur Khawar Ali Shaukat expressed his commitment to continue vigorous operations against drug traffickers in line with the Azad Kashmir government’s vision of a ‘Drug-Free State’.
