Islamabad: Punjab Police have escalated their efforts against crime under the leadership of Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar, carrying out extensive search and sweep operations across the province. The intensified actions come as part of a broader push to target those involved in serious criminal activities, aiming to bolster public safety and law enforcement effectiveness.

According to Punjab Police announcement issued on 20 September 2024, over the previous day, police teams executed 344 search and sweep operations, including significant activity in Lahore. These operations led to the questioning of 10,463 suspicious individuals and the detention of 95 suspects. Police efforts also resulted in the arrest of 628 proclaimed offenders, court fugitives, and habitual criminals targeted for their continued involvement in criminal activities.

The operations have been notably successful in dismantling criminal networks, with 27 members of 11 different gangs involved in serious offenses apprehended. The police also recovered stolen goods valued at approximately 5 million rupees. Additionally, targeted raids against narcotics dealers across Punjab, including Lahore, culminated in the arrest of 133 individuals, with immediate cases filed against them. Police seized significant quantities of illegal substances, including 74 kilograms of charas, 3 kilograms of heroin, 2.3 kilograms of crystal meth (ice), and 1,686 liters of alcohol.

IG Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has directed law enforcement teams to further intensify their crackdown on criminal elements, underlining a zero-tolerance policy towards offenders linked to serious and street crimes, ensuring stringent measures to maintain public order and safety.