Evidence of terror financing has emerged in a province-wide police operation against major drug and gutka mawa syndicates, prompting the Inspector General of Sindh to order the transfer of such cases to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). In this crackdown, hundreds of high-profile criminals have been arrested so far, including most of the ‘A plus’ category mafias.

These directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon at the Central Police Office to review the progress of the campaign. The meeting was attended by senior officers such as the Additional IG CTD and Special Branch, while zonal and district officers participated via video link.

During a detailed briefing, the DIG Special Branch presented astonishing statistics from the ongoing operation. This year, law enforcement agencies have successfully arrested 285 out of 316 ‘A plus’ category drug kingpins across the province.

This action has also severely impacted the gutka mawa business, and 142 out of 163 high-level criminals involved in its distribution are now in custody. The police have also dismantled 27 out of 31 major drug dens identified by the authorities.

A key focus of the campaign has been to secure educational institutions. Officials reported that 60 out of 69 criminal groups selling drugs near schools and colleges have been arrested. The operation is also tackling modern distribution methods, and the CIA police have taken 38 out of 63 identified online drug sellers into custody.

IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon praised the “commendable and admirable” efforts of the officers and personnel since the campaign began in May. He emphasized that dismantling these criminal networks is the top priority for the Sindh Police.

Discussing future strategy, the IG stressed that the next phase is to secure convictions from the courts. He directed officers to build strong cases in consultation with prosecutors and to closely monitor the bail process for arrested suspects.

A significant directive from the meeting was the order to investigate the financial transactions of all detained syndicate members and their families. The Additional IG CTD confirmed that evidence of terror financing has been found in the financial dealings of drug mafias, highlighting the national security implications of this operation.

IG Memon further warned that any police officer found negligent in registering cases against these criminal enterprises will face departmental action. Finally, he urged the officers to keep the public and stakeholders informed about the measures being taken to restore law and order.