Under the visionary 'Drug-Free Punjab' initiative, Punjab Police has intensified its operations against drug peddlers and smugglers throughout the province. Following the directives of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Abdul Kareem, the police force has escalated its crackdown on major drug dealers, smugglers, and individuals involved in the narcotics supply chain.
Province-Wide Operations and Recoveries
According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, a total of 21,824 drug peddlers have been arrested across the province during the current year, with 21,712 cases registered against them. The operations led to the recovery of substantial quantities of narcotics, including 11,626 kilograms of charas, 1,166 kilograms of heroin, 687 kilograms of ice (crystal meth), 536 kilograms of opium, and over 345,000 litres of liquor from the possession of the accused.
Focus on Lahore
In the provincial capital, Lahore, 2,866 drug peddlers were arrested during the same period, with 2,775 cases filed. The recoveries in Lahore included 1,027 kilograms of charas, 82 kilograms of heroin, 256 kilograms of ice (crystal meth), 29 kilograms of opium, and 14,847 litres of liquor.
IG Punjab's Directives
IG Punjab Abdul Kareem has issued strict orders to apprehend all individuals involved in the narcotics supply chain and ensure they are dealt with under the law. He emphasized the need to accelerate operations against drug trafficking around educational institutions, including colleges, universities, and hostels. Additionally, he ordered stringent legal action against those involved in the online sale and purchase of narcotics.
The crackdown is part of the broader 'Drug-Free Punjab' vision, aiming to eradicate the menace of drugs from the province and protect the youth from its harmful effects. Police officials have assured that the campaign will continue relentlessly until the drug trade is completely eliminated.
