Karachi Police Additional Inspector General Azad Khan announced on Friday that investigations into the alleged drug queenpin Anmol, also known as “Pinky,” have uncovered connections extending beyond Pakistan, involving contacts in various African countries. Authorities are probing what appears to be a transnational narcotics network.
During a press briefing in Karachi, Azad Khan revealed that investigators extracted 869 contacts from the suspect’s mobile phone, of which 132 were located in Karachi. He emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “This case is a test for us and we will pursue it to its logical end. Her own brand name will ultimately become her downfall.”
The investigation is not confined to Karachi alone. Several individuals involved in purchasing and distributing drugs from this network have already been apprehended. Efforts are ongoing to identify additional facilitators connected to the operation.
Authorities conducted a raid at Anmol’s former residence in the Sachal area, recovering narcotics believed to have been smuggled into Pakistan from abroad. Financial records linked to the suspect indicate transactions amounting to Rs300 million, with investigators currently scrutinizing her bank accounts.
Preliminary findings suggest the network includes operatives based in African countries as well as in Lahore. Azad Khan noted that between six and eight foreign nationals suspected of involvement are presently in Lahore, alongside women from the city who are also part of the network under investigation.
Coordination has been established with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and cybercrime authorities to broaden the scope of the inquiry. Anmol reportedly has multiple criminal cases registered against her in Sindh and has been involved in drug trafficking across various cities since 2014, expanding her operations in Karachi from 2018 onward.
She is believed to have initially operated through online networks before relocating her base as scrutiny intensified. Of the 869 contacts retrieved from her phone, location data was obtained for 639, with only 132 traced to Karachi.
Azad Khan acknowledged serious internal lapses in the case, leading to the suspension of several officers and the formation of a new investigative committee. The suspect was arrested on May 12 during a targeted operation based on intelligence inputs. A cocaine dealer was also detained, and a 9mm pistol was seized during the operation.
Following her arrest, Anmol was presented before a court the same day, which granted physical remand. Cases against her exist in Sindh, and she has faced legal proceedings in other provinces as well.
Meanwhile, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon addressed the Sindh Assembly, describing the drug problem as a global challenge that should not be politicized. He urged collective responsibility to eradicate drugs from society and called on the opposition to refrain from politicizing the issue, instead commending law enforcement agencies for their efforts.
Memon warned that narcotics networks involve multiple groups across different sectors and stressed that anyone found complicit would face consequences.
