ISLAMABAD, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani authorities have foiled a bid to smuggle 1.45 tons of narcotics worth over 69.28 million U.S. dollars in the international market, and arrested 12 smugglers, local reports and officials said on Wednesday.
Pakistan customs, navy, and maritime security agency conducted a joint operation in the Arabian Sea off the coast of the country's southern port city of Karachi and recovered 586 kg of ice crystal and 864 kg of heroin from a boat, the officials said.
The boat carrying the narcotics was also taken into custody, and further investigation is underway.
The officials said that the successful foiling of the plot reaffirms the resolve to deny illegal activities in the maritime zones of the country and to synergize the efforts of the maritime law enforcement agencies in ensuring the security of the country's waters. ■