Paris smuggling case: French authorities arrest another PIA official

ISLAMABAD: French authorities on Sunday have interrogated the whole crew of flight PK-749 of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) to investigate the drug smuggling case and took one more official under arrest.

On Saturday, March 10, the PIA flight attendant, Tanweer Gulzar, and his alleged accomplice, Mohammad Moin were detained by the French authorities after drugs were recovered from Gulzar’s possession in a PIA aircraft in Paris.

According to media reports, the French officials launched an investigation into the drug smuggling case after they found narcotics in the airport screening.

The officials raided a hotel in Paris, where the PIA crew was searched. The flight attendant was arrested from the hotel, sources said.

PIA sources have said the crew of PK-749 will return to Pakistan on Sunday, March 11, and the name of arrested steward has been taken off the returning officials’ list.

Earlier, on Sunday, the secretary aviation on Sunday asked the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Cheif Executive Officer (CEO) Musharraf Rasool why the aircraft-from which drugs were recovered-was not thoroughly checked at Islamabad airport before its flight to Paris.

According to sources, the secretary has written to the CEO asking to investigate whether the flight attendants were actually involved in carrying the four kilograms of contraband.

Rasool is being asked about the incomplete checking of the plan, and a detailed report has also been sought within four days.

The secretary has also asked the CEO to send responses from four departments-Anti Narcotics Force, PIA Staff, customs, and Airport Security- that check every aircraft before it takes off.

After the incident, the PIA spokesperson stated that accused has been suspended from his duty. The airline will dismiss the accused if proven guilty, the spokesperson said.