Karachi police probe alleged foreign links in 'Cocaine Queen' Pinky drug network

Karachi police said Friday they were investigating alleged foreign links to a narcotics network run by a woman known in local media as "Cocaine Queen" Pinky.

Additional Inspector General Azad Khan made the announcement at a press conference, as authorities expanded a probe that has triggered allegations of police corruption and connections to influential figures.

Who is Cocaine Queen Pinky and what is she accused of?

Anmol alias Pinky is a Karachi-based suspect accused of running a cocaine and synthetic drug distribution network spanning Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad since at least 2018.

She was arrested with 1.5 kilograms of cocaine and a 9 mm pistol. Investigators believe she has been involved in narcotics trafficking since 2014 and faces 23 cases across Sindh and Punjab.

Khan said investigators had identified facilitators from outside Pakistan allegedly linked to the network. "We have come across information that some foreigners from African countries are involved in this network who are in Lahore," he said.

Anmol had her own group of nine riders who delivered drugs, including eight from Punjab province and one from Karachi, according to Khan.

A case was registered at Karachi's Garden police station, and she was presented in court the same day as her arrest. Authorities obtained a three-day physical remand and have completed two days of interrogation.

How extensive is the Anmol alias Pinky drug network?

Khan described the case as "extensive" and said police planned to form a larger investigation team under his supervision. Anmol faces 20 cases in Sindh province and three in Lahore.

Police have formally shown her arrest in nine cases tied to the same network, while investigators are examining another 17 cases involving alleged riders connected to the operation.

Police recovered her mobile phone and identified 869 phone numbers, most from outside Karachi.

Khan said some contacts were allegedly involved in assisting drug sales. Authorities also traced PKR 30 million in transactions through one of her bank accounts and recovered cocaine from her residence.

An interrogation report, previously reviewed by Nukta, alleged the network supplied cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine and other narcotics through courier-style deliveries and social media channels.

Forensic analysis of data recovered from her phone was ongoing, and more than 800 alleged customers had been identified.

What corruption allegations have emerged from the Pinky drug case?

The interrogation report included allegations of corruption involving police and anti-narcotics officials. It alleged a police officer identified as Kamran received more than PKR 250 million in bribes and extortion payments linked to Anmol's network.

Another anti-narcotics officer, identified as Inspector Ahsan, was accused of repeatedly detaining and releasing Anmol's brother in exchange for bribes exceeding PKR 10 million.

Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to those allegations, and the claims have not been independently verified.

The report also alleged that facilitators linked to the entertainment industry, legal circles and politics were connected to the network. Authorities have not publicly disclosed identities or announced charges against any such individuals.

How was Anmol alias Pinky arrested and transferred to Karachi?

Questions have emerged over the circumstances of Anmol's arrest. The interrogation report claimed she was detained at a party in Lahore by another agency before being transferred to Karachi police custody, though authorities have not confirmed that account.

Karachi police are coordinating with Punjab police and Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force in the investigation.

Khan said all legal requirements were being fulfilled and described the case as important because of the impact of narcotics on young people.

Multiple institutions are assisting in the probe. He warned that anyone found involved in drug trafficking would face strict action.