From Makran to Dubai: Pakistan’s Coastline Becomes Meth Smuggling Route

Pakistan’s Makran coast is at the forefront of a rapidly expanding crystal meth smuggling operation targeting the Gulf region. The journey of this illicit cargo begins far inland, with methamphetamine synthesized in clandestine labs using precursor chemicals sourced from Afghanistan. This highly addictive drug is then trucked through remote Balochistan districts to coastal staging points near Gwadar and Pasni. At night, under favorable tides, fishermen are enlisted to load barrels of meth onto traditional dhows. These vessels then embark on perilous voyages across the Arabian Sea, with destinations typically including the United Arab Emirates. Law enforcement agencies in Oman and the UAE have reported a significant increase in meth seizures linked to Pakistan’s coastline, mirroring trends identified by international maritime forces. This shift from heroin to methamphetamine is attributed to its higher profit margins and ease of transport, with dhows capable of carrying substantial quantities undetected by standard cargo checks. Despite official denials of involvement, persistent evidence, including radio chatter and crew origins, implicates the Makran coast as a primary departure point. The robust demand for synthetic drugs in Gulf cities like Dubai and across East African smuggling routes fuels this lucrative trade, ensuring that each dhow’s departure is often part of a pre-arranged shipping schedule. The Makran’s geographical advantages—its extensive network of hidden coves and limited official presence—make it an attractive corridor for traffickers. Speculation also exists that the operational environment around Gwadar Port’s free zone may facilitate illicit transfers. India has proactively enhanced its maritime intelligence and patrol capabilities to monitor and disrupt this evolving narco-corridor. The pervasive influence of the meth trade in Balochistan has profound social and political consequences, exacerbating governance issues and fueling illicit economies.