In a significant operation, Pakistani authorities have seized a massive quantity of smuggled Indian-origin Tramadol, an addictive opioid drug, valued at Rs10 billion. The operation, led by the Collectorate of Customs Enforcement in Karachi, took place on February 20th and is being hailed as one of the largest pharmaceutical seizures in South Asia.
The seizure involved 21.8 million tablets and 7,000 capsules of unregistered Tramadol, which is regulated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The drug is highly addictive and can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. DRAP had recently considered declaring Tramadol a “controlled substance” under the Control of Narcotics Substance Act to limit its use due to concerns over its growing abuse.
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Customs officials suspect a cross-border smuggling network is involved, as the drugs were packed in cartons bearing Indian markings. The drugs were reportedly misdeclared as vaccines, and packaging material from the raid site had markings linked to the ‘Expanded Programme on Immunisation’, raising concerns about potential links to clearing agents.
Initial investigations have led authorities to a chemist and a pharmaceutical company believed to be part of the smuggling network. The warehouse guard was arrested during the raid, and further arrests are expected. Samples of the seized drugs have been sent to the Central Drug Laboratory, which confirmed the presence of Tramadol Hydrochloride, reinforcing the scale of the illicit trade.
The bust follows a recent crackdown by an intelligence agency that dismantled a network of Customs officials and smugglers involved in smuggling non-customs paid goods across Pakistan. The authorities continue to investigate, with legal proceedings underway to bring the culprits to justice.
