drugs in Pakistan
31 October 2006
Islamabad - The South African High Commission in Islamabad was alerted by
the Pakistani Anti-Narcotic Force and the Federal Express (Fedex) Courier
Company of an attempted smuggle of high grade heroin from Pakistan to
Johannesburg utilising an official South African government envelope.
According to the Pakistani authorities, a suspect arrived at the offices of
the Fedex on Saturday 28 October 2006, pretending to be an official of the
South African High Commission in Islamabad.
The suspect bore an official South African High Commission envelope destined
for delivery by Fedex to an address in Johannesburg. Fedex officials became
suspicious when the suspect provided them with a false account number claiming
to be that of the South African High Commission.
Upon questioning by Fedex officials, the suspect became evasive and
immediately left the Fedex offices. Fedex put the envelope through a scanner to
determine the contents thereof. It was during this process that it was
discovered that the envelope contained high-grade heroin. Fedex consequently
alerted the Pakistani Anti Narcotics Force of this discovery.
The SA High Commission was immediately advised of these developments and is
kept abreast of investigations by the Pakistani law enforcement agencies.
The South African Government condemns these attempts at misusing official
government stationary for nefarious activities. In this regard, the government
expresses its conviction that Pakistani authorities will leave no stone
unturned to bring the suspects to face the full might of the Pakistani law.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
31 October 2006
