Lahore, Following directives from Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Police have escalated their efforts to combat the drug trade across the province, resulting in thousands of raids, arrests, and significant seizures of illegal substances.

According to Punjab Police, the force executed 8,576 raids on suspected drug dealers’ hideouts within the last month alone, as part of the “Drug-Free Punjab” campaign. These operations led to the arrest of 3,953 individuals and the registration of 3,860 cases against those involved in the narcotics business. Authorities have confiscated over 1,982 kilograms of charas, 44 kilograms of heroin, 18 kilograms of Ice (crystal meth), and 46,578 liters of liquor. Additionally, 76 drug addicts were admitted to rehabilitation centers for treatment.

The spokesman for the Punjab Police disclosed that over the course of this year, there have been 48,795 raids conducted province-wide, with 25,238 cases registered and 25,349 suspects detained. The total haul from these raids included more than 14,221 kilograms of charas, 131 kilograms of Ice, 2,498 kilograms of heroin, and 337,059 liters of liquor. A total of 611 addicts have been placed in rehabilitation programs.

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has ordered an increase in intelligence-based operations to thoroughly eradicate drug-related activities. He emphasized the necessity of bringing all individuals involved in the drug supply chain, including smugglers, dealers, and suppliers, to justice with severe penalties. Dr. Anwar also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and other institutions, urging a focus on eliminating all forms of drugs, including modern synthetic substances and toxic liquor.