Lahore: Following the Drug-Free Punjab vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Police has intensified its efforts against drug trafficking and abuse across the province.

According to Punjab Police, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, anti-narcotics operations have been significantly ramped up throughout 2023. This year alone, the police have conducted over 100,000 raids targeting drug dealers’ hideouts, resulting in the arrest of 61,164 individuals and the registration of 53,708 drug-related cases. A substantial amount of narcotics has been seized, including 34,319 kilograms of charas, 1,167 kilograms of heroin, 1,607 kilograms of opium, 469 kilograms of crystal meth, and over 886,000 liters of illegal alcohol. Additionally, 1,269 individuals with addiction have been admitted to rehabilitation centers for treatment.

In Lahore, the provincial capital, the police executed 9,175 raids on suspected drug dealers’ hideouts, leading to the arrest of 9,470 individuals and the registration of 9,174 criminal cases. Confiscated contraband includes 7,163 kilograms of charas, 359 kilograms of heroin, 426 kilograms of opium, 165 kilograms of crystal meth, and more than 63,000 liters of illicit alcohol. IGP Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has instructed further intensification of special operations against drug dealers and smugglers, stressing the importance of apprehending all involved in the drug supply chain. Additionally, intelligence-based operations around educational institutions and hostels have been accelerated to address the issue of drug abuse among the youth.