International Drug Syndicate Busted in Mirpur: Major Seizures of Narcotics, Foreign Currency, Arms, and Vehicles

Mirpur (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) — In a decisive operation that highlights the growing threat of transnational organized crime, Mirpur Police dismantled a sophisticated drug smuggling network operating across international borders. The cross-jurisdictional crackdown led to the arrest of 10 key suspects, including the alleged ringleader, Arshad Bilo. Authorities recovered over 4 kilograms of heroin, more than 100 million Pakistani and foreign currency, illegal firearms, detailed financial records, and five vehicles utilized in the criminal enterprise.

The operation, which began in earnest in September 2024, was the result of an extensive, multi-agency investigation. Mirpur Police, in collaboration with international bodies including Interpol and British law enforcement, traced the complex network that facilitated the unlawful movement of narcotics from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad to the United Kingdom via courier services.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat detailed the operation during a press briefing, stating, “Our proactive efforts have significantly disrupted a well-entrenched network that has been exploiting international courier services for drug trafficking. This operation sends a resounding message to all transnational criminals that we are uncompromising in our quest for justice.”

According to SSP Mirpur, Khawar Ali Shaukat, who briefed the media alongside senior officers, the network had been operating since 2015 with links spanning from Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the United Kingdom. Over 4 kilograms of heroin have been seized in multiple cases during the operation.

Key Seizures and Evidence

• Over PKR 10 million in local and foreign currency recovered from illegal currency exchange operations.

• 77+ financial account ledgers, arms including rifles and pistols of various calibers, and five vehicles used by the suspects seized.

• Seized documents include bank records indicating over PKR 60 million deposited in a single account.

• Major suspects named include Raja Faisal, Azeem, Nadeem, Hassan Rauf, Khan Waheed, and Taqeer, with all under investigation for heroin smuggling to the UK via courier services.

Transnational Links and Prior Convictions

Arshad Bilo, the alleged kingpin, was previously arrested in the UK for heroin smuggling in 2013 along with an accomplice named Qaiser, who was sentenced to 7 years in a British court. Arshad later fled to Pakistan after being released on bail.

Since then, he is believed to have built a structured narcotics supply chain from Mirpur to the UK, working closely with Ehtesham Raja, a UK-based associate. The investigation reveals that heroin parcels were being sent regularly through postal and courier services.

Timeline of the Operation

Mirpur Police initiated surveillance in September 2024, targeting the network’s local operatives. In November 2024, a successful operation in Dhangli, Dadyal led to the arrest of two suspects, Junaid and Waqar, and the recovery of heroin. Their confessions further implicated Arshad Bilo and Ehtesham Raja.

Upon Arshad’s arrest in Mirpur, police uncovered extensive financial transactions and cash flow linked to illegal drug trade and unregistered currency exchanges.

Weapons and Technology Seized

From suspect Taqeer’s residence, police recovered a cache of arms including:

• Rifles (.222 bore, .44 bore, 8mm)

• Repeater shotgun (12 bore)

• Multiple handguns (9mm, 30 bore, 22 bore)

• Over a dozen magazines and live ammunition

• Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and sensitive documents

Official Response and International Coordination

SSP Shaukat described the operation as a “high-profile, transnational case”, revealing that Pakistani authorities are now coordinating with UK law enforcement and Interpol for further investigation. Over 100 suspicious bank transactions are under scrutiny, with assistance requested from financial institutions.

Concerns Over Political Connections

The case has stirred public outrage and concern over possible political patronage, as images circulating online allegedly show Arshad Bilo with senior regional political figures, including the President of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and his son. These revelations have triggered intense public scrutiny over the role of state institutions, with citizens questioning why such figures were not under investigation earlier.

As one social media user noted:
“If photos of Arshad Bilo with top leadership had surfaced earlier, he would be behind bars by now — but in our system, power protects the criminal, not the citizen.”

Wider Implications and Public Reaction

The bust has exposed deep-rooted flaws in governance, accountability, and law enforcement. With ties allegedly extending to 15 countries, this network poses not just a local but an international threat. Public pressure is now mounting for a transparent investigation and accountability from both security institutions and political leadership.