Govt initiates drive against narcotics

——- 70 individuals involved in the illicit drug trade arrested
——- Over 2500 kilograms seized nationwide

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The government has initiated a crackdown against narcotics, resulting in the seizure of more than 2500 kilograms of illicit substances in the month of October alone.
The operation, conducted with the collaboration of various law enforcement agencies, led to the arrest of over 70 individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
During the operation, significant quantities of narcotics were confiscated from different provinces.
Balochistan and Sindh saw the seizure of 1200 kilograms of narcotics, while Gilgit-Baltistan contributed 700 kilograms, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 400 kilograms, and Punjab 150 kilograms to the total haul.
The breakdown of seizures from Punjab includes 120 kilograms of cannabis, 6 kilograms of heroin, 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 10 kilograms of opium.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa yielded 320 kilograms of cannabis, 10 kilograms of heroin, 20 kilograms of opium, and 12 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Sindh’s contribution to the confiscated narcotics comprises 5 kilograms of heroin, 530 kilograms of cannabis, and 15 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Balochistan’s share in the operation included 450 kilograms of cannabis, 5 kilograms of heroin, and 25 kilograms of opium.
As part of the crackdown against drug traffickers, 25 individuals were arrested in Punjab, 10 in Sindh, 10 in Balochistan, and 30 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Since the commencement of the crackdown on September 1st, a staggering 30,780 kilograms of narcotics have been seized nationwide, leading to the arrest of more than 400 individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
In a joint effort to ensure national security and safeguard the future of the youth, the government, security forces, and military leadership have resolved to take stringent measures against the drug trade. Meanwhile, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting 12 operations across the country managed to recover over 233 kg of drugs and arrested six accused, said an ANF Headquarters spokesman here on Tuesday. He informed, that in four operations, over 4.6 kg of drugs were recovered from 26 no Chongi area in Islamabad.
In the fourth operation, three suspects riding a motorcycle were arrested near Sadaqat Hotel on GT Road, Nowshera. Some 3.6-kg hashish was recovered from their possession. Separate cases have been registered against the accused under the Anti-Narcotics Act. Investigation is in progress.
In an operation, 900 grams Ice drug was recovered from an accused, resident of Pishin. In another operation, 800 grams Ice drug and 250 grams of heroin were recovered from the possession of an accused, resident of Khyber. In the 7th operation, 2 kg of hashish was recovered from the possession of a woman, a resident of Nowshera.
The spokesman informed that in the 8th operation, 116 grams of Ice and one pistol were recovered from an accused, resident of Khyber. One kg of Ice drug was recovered from a passenger’s bag arrested at Allama Iqbal International Airport. The accused, a resident of Sahiwal, was leaving for Saudi Arabia by flight number PK-859. Three kg hashish was recovered from an accused resident of Tando Mohammad Khan netted at Fateh Chowk bus stop Hyderabad. Drugs concealed for smuggling were recovered during two operations conducted in the Nokundi and Kuchlak areas. The recovered drugs include 27 kg opium, 103 kg heroin and 95 kg morphine. Separate cases have been registered against the accused under the Anti-Narcotics Act while further investigations are under process.