Lahore: Aligning with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for a drug-free province, the Punjab Police has escalated its anti-drug operations across Punjab. Led by IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, the intensified efforts are a direct response to the Chief Minister’s directive, focusing on dismantling the drug supply networks and rehabilitating affected individuals.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, under the leadership of IG Punjab, the police have conducted 88,192 raids on suspected drug dealers’ hideouts throughout the year. These operations have led to the arrest of 54,707 individuals and the filing of 48,684 cases. Law enforcement officials have seized substantial quantities of illegal substances, including 29,764 kilograms of charas, 837 kilograms of heroin, and significant amounts of opium, ice, and alcohol.

In Lahore alone, 8,091 raids resulted in 8,362 arrests and 8,090 cases, with significant drug hauls seized. Moreover, 1,265 persons dealing with drug addiction have been admitted to rehabilitation centers for proper treatment.

IG Punjab has issued specific directives to further intensify the crackdown on the narcotics trade, emphasizing intelligence-led operations and increased surveillance around educational institutions and hostels. His strategy underlines the importance of targeting the entire spectrum of the drug trade from street-level dealers to high-level smugglers, ensuring stringent penalties for all involved.