Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Drug-Free Punjab Vision, Police accelerated Anti-Drug Operations
Over 100,000 Raids on Drug Dealers’ Hideouts, 61,164 Arrests, 53,708 Cases Filed This Year
Following the Drug-Free Punjab vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Police has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse across the province. Under the guidance of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, anti-narcotics operations have been ramped up significantly throughout 2023. Punjab Police spokesperson said that, this year, over 100,000 raids have been conducted targeting the hideouts of drug dealers across the province. As a result, 61,164 accused have been arrested, and 53,708 drug-related cases have been registered. The police have successfully seized a significant amount of narcotics, including 34,319 kilograms of charas, 1,167 kilograms of heroin, 1,607 kilograms of opium, 469 kilograms of ice (crystal meth), and over 886,000 liters of illegal alcohol. Additionally, 1,269 individuals suffering from addiction have been admitted to rehabilitation centers for treatment and recovery.
In Lahore, the provincial capital, the police carried out 9,175 raids on suspected drug dealers' hideouts. This operation led to the arrest of 9,470 accused and the registration of 9,174 criminal cases. From these arrests, authorities confiscated 7,163 kilograms of charas, 359 kilograms of heroin, 426 kilograms of opium, 165 kilograms of ice, and more than 63,000 liters of illicit alcohol. IGP Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has directed a further intensification of special operations against drug dealers and smugglers, emphasizing that all individuals involved in the drug supply chain should be swiftly apprehended and face the full force of the law. Additionally, IG Punjab has directed an acceleration of intelligence-based operations around educational institutions and hostels to combat the growing problem of drug abuse among the youth.
(Handout No. 1192)
Syed Mubasher Hussain
Director Public Relations
Punjab Police
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