ISLAMABAD, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani authorities successfully acted on intelligence-based reports to catch a fishing boat transporting a haul of narcotics in the Arabian Sea off the country's shores, officials said on Monday.
Over 200 kg of crystal methamphetamine and 227 kg of heroin with estimated value of 16.3 billion rupees (about 99.8 million U.S. dollars) in the international market were seized in a joint operation conducted by the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Pakistan Navy (PN) and Pakistan Customs, Deputy Director-General of PMSA Faisal Sadiq said in a statement.
Several accused were caught during the operation while some of them managed to escape, the official said, adding that efforts are being made to arrest other culprits.
The retrieved contraband has been handed over to Pakistan Customs for further investigations and legal proceedings.
"Successful operation by the PMSA, PN and Pakistan Customs resulting in seizure of a huge cache is a testament of the fact that we are vigilant and committed to prevent use of Pakistani waters against any unlawful act," said the official.
He added that the PMSA will continue to shoulder its national obligations towards establishment of good order within the country's sea boundaries besides ensuring the conducive, lawful and business-friendly environment. Enditem
