Lahore, Punjab’s police forces have significantly ramped up their efforts to combat drug trafficking across the province, following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The campaign, dubbed “Drug Free Punjab,” has led to a series of successful raids and arrests, highlighting the government’s commitment to curbing the drug menace.
According to Punjab Police, the intensified crackdown is being overseen by IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar. In the last 24 hours alone, police have conducted 252 raids on suspected drug hideouts throughout Punjab, including Lahore, resulting in the arrest of 93 individuals involved in the drug trade and the registration of 90 cases. Authorities have also seized substantial quantities of illegal substances, including 39 kilograms of charas and 874 liters of alcohol.
The spokesperson for Punjab Police detailed that since the special crackdown began on February 26, officers have executed 18,566 raids based on intelligence about drug dealers’ operations. These efforts have led to 8,686 cases being registered and 9,190 arrests. The police have also confiscated 6,030 kilograms of charas, 31 kilograms of ice, 103 kilograms of heroin, 216 kilograms of opium, and 115,458 liters of alcohol.
IG Punjab has issued orders to Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) to continue and expand anti-narcotics operations. Dr. Anwar emphasized the importance of speeding up targeted operations by identifying drug hotspot areas in all districts and enhancing coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and other relevant organizations to dismantle the drug supply chains effectively.
This rigorous enforcement strategy underlines the provincial government’s resolve to eliminate drug trafficking and ensure a safer environment for the citizens of Punjab.