By Mustafa Ali
Lahore:Inspector General Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, said that under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Punjab police reaffirm the resolve to accomplish the mission of a “Drug-Free Punjab.” IG Punjab said that this day serves as a renewed commitment to uproot the curse of drugs and safeguard the youth from life-threatening dangers.IG Punjab revealed that more than 52,400 raids have been conducted across the province this year on the hideouts of drug dealers. A total of 24,000 accused involved in this heinous business have been arrested and over 23,800 cases have been registered. From the possession of drug dealers, over 14,325 kilograms of charas, 1,210 kilograms of heroin, 443 kilograms of ice (crystal meth), 2,034 kilograms of opium, and more than 398,500 liters of liquor have been recovered.IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said that Punjab Police have intensified operations against the purchase, sale, and trafficking of drugs. Dealers and smugglers involved in the supply chain and online transactions are being brought under the law’s grip. The drug trade is being eradicated from educational institutions, hostels, and hotspot areas and their surroundings. The net is being tightened further against major “big fish” involved in inter-district and inter-provincial smuggling.IG Punjab urged parents to keep a close watch on their children, discourage party culture, and encourage constructive activities. IG Punjab further added that steps are being taken in consultation with stakeholders to protect the new generation from the scourge of drugs. Intelligence-based operations are ongoing in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force to cut off drug supply lines. He emphasized that the rehabilitation of drug addicts requires the joint effort of the entire society.
