Karachi Travel Agent Booked for Alleged Drug Smuggling to Saudi Arabia

Karachi: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against a Karachi-based travel agent accused of using unsuspecting pilgrims to smuggle illegal drugs into Saudi Arabia, under the guise of delivering essential medicines for his ailing mother, The News reported.

The suspect, Abdul Shakoor, also known as Shahzaib Naqshbandi, faces charges under case number 311/24 by FIA’s Human Trafficking Circle. Deputy Director Ali Murad Baladi revealed that complaints were filed by multiple pilgrims who had traveled to Saudi Arabia under arrangements made by Shakoor, including visas, tickets, and accommodations at a cost of Rs265,000 per person.

The Scheme

According to the complaints, Shakoor, based in the Kharadar area, along with his accomplice Junaid, approached pilgrims at the airport and claimed his mother was critically ill in Saudi Arabia. He pleaded with them to deliver “medicine packets,” asserting that the required medications were unavailable in the Kingdom.

The unsuspecting pilgrims, including individuals like Nazim Khan, Sameer, and Khurram Ameen, agreed to help. However, upon their arrival at the Saudi airport, they were arrested on drug smuggling charges and remain imprisoned.

Investigation and Evidence

FIA initiated an inquiry after complaints from victims’ families, including Nazia Nazim, Mahmooda Bano, and Niaz Muhammad. The investigation unearthed significant evidence implicating Shakoor and Junaid in the operation.

Shakoor, in a video obtained by Daily Jang, admitted his involvement but shifted some blame to another accomplice. He claimed that his office staff were unaware of the activities. Efforts to contact Shakoor, his family, or his accomplices have been unsuccessful, as their phone numbers are switched off.

Current Status

The FIA has launched raids to apprehend Shakoor and Junaid. Officials stated that Shakoor was repeatedly summoned during the investigation but failed to appear. Attempts to reach him at his office were also in vain.

Authorities have vowed to continue efforts to bring the accused to justice and address the plight of the detained pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, whose families await their safe return.