Lahore: Nine members of an international drug gang, responsible for framing an innocent family by swapping their bag tags at an airport, have been apprehended by Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF). As a result of the ANF’s efforts, directed by Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Mohsin Naqvi, five family members detained in Saudi Arabia have been released and returned home.

According to a statement by Press Information Department, Minister Naqvi visited the family’s residence, accompanied by DG ANF Major General Abdul Mueed, where he expressed sympathy and congratulated them on their return. Naqvi emphasized the pain the family endured and praised the relentless work of the ANF in capturing the actual perpetrators.

The family, including Farhana Akram and her relatives from Lahore, was wrongfully detained in Saudi Arabia on December 30 after their luggage tags were switched by the drug gang with airport staff assistance. The ANF, upon investigation, identified the culprits by reviewing CCTV footage, leading to the arrest of a porter and eventually the entire gang.

Naqvi thanked the Saudi Government for their cooperation and announced special awards for the ANF team. The innocent family and their uncle, Malik Arshad, expressed gratitude towards Naqvi and the ANF for their efforts. Haroon Ali, a family member, praised the actions of Naqvi and Major General Mueed, stating their contributions were beyond words.

The ANF’s operation, supported by Regional Director Brigadier Sikandar Hayat and other officials, secured the family’s release by providing evidence to Saudi authorities, highlighting the effective collaboration between the involved parties.