Saudi Arabia Frees Pakistani Family Framed in Drug Case.

A Pakistani family falsely implicated in a drug smuggling case in Saudi Arabia has been released and safely returned home, while authorities have arrested nine members of an international drug gang responsible for framing them.

According to a statement by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), the family’s release was secured following the special directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The five-member family, detained in Saudi Arabia since December 30, 2024, landed back in Pakistan on Sunday.

The ordeal began when Farhana Akram, a resident of Lahore’s Marghzar Colony, traveled to Saudi Arabia with four family members on December 23, 2024. Unknown to them, members of a drug syndicate, with the help of airport staff, switched their luggage tags, planting illegal substances in their baggage.

Saudi authorities arrested the family upon arrival, suspecting them of drug trafficking. However, ANF launched a thorough investigation, analyzing CCTV footage from entry and exit points at the airport. A baggage handler was detained for questioning, leading to the unmasking of the entire smuggling network.

Following weeks of intense investigation, ANF successfully tracked down and arrested nine key members of the international drug syndicate, including its ringleader. Solid evidence was shared with Saudi authorities, leading to the exoneration and release of the detained family.

Upon their return, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi personally visited the family’s residence, expressing relief over their safe return.

“The suffering you endured is beyond words. ANF worked tirelessly to bring the real culprits to justice, and I extend my gratitude to the Saudi government for their cooperation,” Naqvi stated.

A family member, Malik Arshad, thanked ANF and the Pakistani authorities for their relentless efforts in proving their innocence. Another victim, Haroon Ali, acknowledged the role of ANF DG Major General Abdul Moeed, stating, “Their hard work and dedication cannot be put into words.”

This case highlights the growing menace of airport-based drug trafficking and the urgent need for tighter security measures to prevent innocent travelers from becoming victims of such criminal schemes.