PIA flight steward detained in France over drugs case

Islamabad, March 12 (IANS) A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight steward has been detained by French authorities after information given by another employee of the flag carrier who was allegedly caught with drugs in Paris, the media reported on Monday.

The rest of the crew members of the Islamabad-Paris flight PK-749 returned to Pakistan on Sunday, reports Dawn news.

Four packets of drugs were recovered from hidden pockets of Tanveer Gulzar's coat during his body search on Saturday, according to French officials. 

"Though drugs have been recovered from the possession of the cabin crew member, the PIA management has not been informed about the kind and quantity of drugs," PIA spokesman Mashood Tajwar told Dawn.

"Tanveer Gulzar, the PIA steward who was caught with drugs by the French customs while going to a hotel for rest, has been suspended by the management and will be terminated from service in the light of outcome of the investigation conducted by the French authorities."

Tajwar said another steward of the same flight, Amir Moeen, had been detained by the French authorities though he had not been charged so far. 

He has been detained for interrogation in the light of Tanveer's statement.

"Amir Moeen will also be suspended and will be sacked if his involvement in drug smuggling is proven by the French authorities," the spokesman told Dawn news.