Lahore: In a sweeping move to curb drug trafficking, the Punjab Police carried out 297 raids across the province in a single day, arresting 161 suspects and registering 157 cases. The action is part of a sustained campaign to achieve a drug-free Punjab, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

According to Punjab Police, under the guidance of IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, the enforcement efforts have been particularly vigorous. Yesterday’s operations netted 72 kilograms of charas, 4 kilograms of heroin, 2 kilograms of Ice, and 1,372 liters of alcohol. The crackdown is not only widespread, encompassing several regions including Lahore, but also marks a significant uptick in the frequency and intensity of raids against narcotics dealers and smugglers.

Since the initiation of the campaign on February 26, the police have conducted 34,781 raids, leading to the arrest of 16,674 individuals involved in the narcotics trade and the registration of 16,221 cases. The cumulative seizures from these operations include substantial quantities of drugs and alcohol aimed at purging the community of illicit substances. Dr. Anwar has directed regional and district police officers to intensify efforts against those targeting educational institutions and to dismantle networks involved in online drug trafficking and inter-provincial smuggling.

The ongoing operations underscore the Punjab government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking in the region, aligning with the Chief Minister’s vision for a healthier, drug-free society.