Lahore, In a rigorous escalation of the “Drug Free Punjab” campaign, Punjab Police have intensified operations against drug trafficking across the province, resulting in numerous arrests and substantial drug seizures. This push follows directives from Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aimed at curbing drug-related activities.

According to Punjab Police, over the past 24 hours, officers have conducted 307 raids on suspected drug dealers’ hideouts, registering 140 cases and arresting 144 individuals. These operations led to the seizure of 54 kilograms of charas, 290 grams of ice, and 1683 liters of alcohol. Since the campaign’s inception on February 26, police have executed 23,910 raids, culminating in 11,137 FIRs and 11,860 arrests. Authorities have also confiscated significant quantities of narcotics, including 7290 kilograms of charas, 120 kilograms of heroin, 250 kilograms of opium, and over 142,549 liters of alcohol.

IG Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has ordered an increase in intelligence-based operations against the narcotics trade, emphasizing the necessity of severe penalties for those involved in distributing drugs. Anwar has also instructed enhanced coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and regular updates on action reports to the Central Police Office, reflecting a determined approach to eradicate drug trafficking in the region.