A significant drug smuggling attempt was foiled at Islamabad International Airport when a dual-national woman, Mehwish Jabeen, was caught with around one kilogram of heroin hidden in her luggage. The cleverly concealed drugs were found in the soles of three Peshawari slippers, designed to evade detection by scanning systems. Airport security personnel detected suspicious material during routine checks on Jabeen’s luggage as she prepared to depart for Turkey on Turkish Airlines flight TK-711.
The incident has sparked an investigation, with authorities probing the circumstances surrounding the smuggling attempt. Surprisingly, it was discovered that an FIA official had provided Jabeen with VIP protocol, raising questions about the official’s involvement and potential complicity. The FIA has launched an inquiry into the official’s role, with a director-level officer tasked with investigating the matter.
The Airport Security Force (ASF) has confirmed the recovery of the drugs and is assisting in the investigation. Officials are working to determine whether Jabeen is part of a larger smuggling network, with the scope of the investigation widened to explore potential links. The incident has highlighted concerns about security measures at Pakistan’s airports and the internal accountability systems of institutions responsible for ensuring compliance.
The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of airport security protocols and the potential for corruption within law enforcement agencies. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are under pressure to uncover the truth behind the smuggling attempt and the involvement of the FIA official. The case is likely to have significant implications for airport security and the accountability of officials tasked with enforcing the law.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure like airports. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to take steps to strengthen security measures and prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, with many hoping that it will shed light on the extent of corruption and the measures needed to prevent such incidents.
