PESHAWAR In a significant breakthrough law enforcement authorities in Peshawar have successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle a large cache of illegal weapons into the region arresting two Afghan nationals The operation conducted jointly by police intelligence units and border security forces marks a major step forward in Pakistans efforts to combat illegal arms trafficking and crossborder militancy
Seizure Details and Arrests
The operation unfolded on the outskirts of Peshawar near the Khyber district when police intercepted a suspicious vehicle entering the city from a known smuggling corridor A thorough search of the vehicle revealed a concealed compartment packed with weapons including automatic rifles handguns and a substantial quantity of ammunition .
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According to a police spokesperson both individuals arrested are Afghan nationals who had reportedly entered Pakistan without legal documentation Initial investigations suggest their involvement in a crossborder arms trafficking network with possible connections to militant outfits operating near the Pakistan Afghanistan border .
We received actionable intelligence regarding a possible smuggling attempt Our team moved quickly and effectively intercepted the suspects before the weapons could be disseminated said SSP Operations Peshawar during a press briefing .
Weapons Recovered
Authorities have confirmed the recovery of the following weapons and equipment
The seized weapons have been sent for forensic analysis to trace their origin and to determine if they were used in any past criminal or terrorist incidents
- Cross Border Network Under Investigation
- Investigators believe the suspects were part of a broader arms smuggling syndicate operating across the Durand Line with logistical support possibly spread across both sides of the border Intelligence agencies and the Federal Investigation Agency FIA have been brought in to trace the wider network and locate other operatives involved
Theres strong evidence suggesting these weapons were destined for criminal gangs or sleeper cells with the intent to destabilize the region the SSP added
Enhanced Security Measures
In the aftermath of the arrests security has been significantly tightened at all major checkpoints and border entry routes in and around Peshawar Additional law enforcement and paramilitary units have been deployed to scrutinize vehicular movement and conduct random inspections
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in collaboration with the Frontier Corps have launched a targeted crackdown on suspected trafficking networks aiming to eliminate crossborder smuggling channels
Political and Public Reaction
The successful interception has been welcomed by both government officials and the public Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly praised the swift action taken by the police and urged the federal government to provide greater support to provincial security forces
This operation is a critical step in preventing future acts of violence We commend our law enforcement for their vigilance and effectiveness said a local MPA from Peshawar
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The two suspects are currently under investigation by counterterrorism units A case has been registered under Pakistans AntiTerrorism Act and Arms Ordinance and formal legal proceedings are expected to begin shortly Authorities have hinted that more arrests could follow as the investigation unfolds .
Conclusion
The prevention of this arms smuggling attempt stands as a testament to the dedication and efficiency of Peshawars law enforcement agencies As Pakistan continues to face threats from illicit crossborder networks this operation reinforces the importance of intelligencedriven action and interagency cooperation in maintaining national security and public safety .