Record Drug Seizure Highlights Escalating Smuggling Crisis at Afghan Pakistan border. There are 87 underground tunnels from Chitral to Chagai at Afghan-Pakistan border the opening of which are kept secret at private houses on both sides of the border.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Border

October 23, 2025 

In a significant development, Pakistani authorities have reported an "unprecedented" seizure of illicit drugs at the Torkham border crossing, one of the main gateways between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The operation, detailed in a viral video circulating on social media, underscores the escalating challenge of drug trafficking in the region.

The video, which has garnered over 1.2 million views, shows a dramatic moment where a large quantity of narcotics was intercepted. Sources within Pakistan Customs confirmed that the seizure included a record-breaking haul of heroin and methamphetamine, marking a sharp increase in the volume of drugs being smuggled across the border. This incident follows a trend of significant drug busts, with over 104 kg of hashish and 70 kg of opium seized in December 2024, and more than 3 tons of various drugs intercepted in January 2025 by Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).

Muhammad Tayyab, an additional collector at Pakistan Customs, described the recent seizures as "definitely increased" and "unprecedented" for this time of year. The operation at Torkham is part of broader efforts to combat the flow of drugs along the Balkan Route, which channels Afghan narcotics through Pakistan and Iran to Europe, and the Southern Route, via Pakistan and the Indian Ocean.

The surge in drug trafficking coincides with heightened security measures along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Since March 2017, Pakistan has been constructing a border barrier to prevent terrorism, arms, and drug trafficking, as well as illegal immigration and smuggling. Despite these efforts, the trade appears to be booming under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, which had vowed to ban drugs but has seen little success in curbing the illicit market.

Iranian officials have also reported massive busts near their southeastern border with Afghanistan, indicating a regional crisis. The increased seizures suggest that traffickers are exploiting refugee flows and other vulnerabilities to smuggle drugs across international boundaries.

This latest seizure at Torkham not only highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking but also the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. As Pakistan continues to fortify its border with trenches and biometric systems, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the narcotics trade that fuels instability and endangers lives across multiple continents.

The revelation of 87 underground tunnels between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as disclosed by a Taliban delegation during talks in Doha, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing concerns about cross-border smuggling, terrorism, and illicit activities.

This disclosure came to light during a meeting aimed at addressing bilateral issues, including security, trade, and regional stability, amidst a backdrop of strained relations and mutual accusations of harbouring militants.

Context and Background

The Taliban, since regaining power in Afghanistan in August 2021, have faced international scrutiny over their inability or unwillingness to curb the production and trafficking of narcotics, as well as their alleged support for militant groups operating against Pakistan. Pakistan, on its part, has been constructing a border fence and implementing biometric systems to control movement across the Durand Line, a border that both countries dispute but Pakistan recognizes as international.

The Tunnels: A Strategic Concern

The existence of 87 underground tunnels, as claimed by the Taliban, suggests a sophisticated network that could facilitate the movement of drugs, weapons, and militants. These tunnels are likely part of a broader infrastructure developed over decades, initially during the Soviet-Afghan War and later during the Taliban insurgency against NATO forces. The tunnels provide a means to bypass the physical barriers and surveillance systems that Pakistan has been enhancing, such as the border fence and trenches.

Implications for Security and Drug Trafficking

1. Drug Trafficking: The tunnels are a critical component of the drug trade, particularly along the Balkan Route and the Southern Route. Afghanistan remains the world's largest producer of opium, and the inability to control this trade has significant implications for global drug markets. The tunnels allow for the discreet transport of heroin and other narcotics, undermining efforts by both Afghan and Pakistani authorities to intercept these shipments.
2. Terrorism: The tunnels also pose a threat in terms of terrorism. Militant groups, including those allegedly supported by elements within Afghanistan, could use these passages to infiltrate Pakistan, carry out attacks, and then retreat. This has been a long-standing concern for Pakistan, which has repeatedly accused the Taliban of not doing enough to prevent such activities.
3. Regional Stability: The existence of such a network complicates efforts to stabilize the region. It undermines confidence in the Taliban's commitments to counter-terrorism and drug trafficking, which are crucial for gaining international legitimacy and support. For Pakistan, it represents a direct challenge to its sovereignty and security.

Diplomatic and Military Response

The disclosure in Doha is likely to prompt a re-evaluation of security strategies on both sides. Pakistan may intensify its efforts to detect and destroy these tunnels, possibly involving advanced technology such as ground-penetrating radar and increased aerial surveillance. The Taliban, facing pressure from the international community, might be compelled to take more decisive action against these networks, though their capacity and willingness to do so remain questionable.

International Reaction

The international community, particularly countries affected by the drug trade and terrorism originating from this region, will likely view this development with alarm. It reinforces the need for a coordinated approach to address the root causes of instability in Afghanistan, including economic development, governance, and counter-terrorism measures. The United Nations and other organizations may push for increased monitoring and support for border security initiatives.

Conclusion

The revelation of 87 underground tunnels between Afghanistan and Pakistan is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the region. It highlights the need for genuine cooperation between the Taliban and Pakistan, supported by international efforts, to address the intertwined issues of drug trafficking, terrorism, and cross-border smuggling. Failure to do so could exacerbate regional instability and continue to fuel global security concerns.