By: ANI Correspondent
LAHORE: The Punjab government has intensified its crackdown against drug dealers and smugglers under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Drug-Free Punjab” vision, with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Abdul Karim directing police officers to take strict action against major drug networks across the province.
According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, 33,940 drug dealers have been arrested and 33,542 cases registered during anti-narcotics operations in Gujranwala and Sialkot this year.
The seized drugs include 17,577 kilograms of cannabis (charas), 1,538 kilograms of heroin, 1,137 kilograms of ice (crystal methamphetamine), 750 kilograms of opium and more than 487,000 litres of liquor.
In Lahore, police have arrested 4,830 drug dealers and registered 4,675 cases during the current year. Police recovered 1,752 kilograms of cannabis, 103 kilograms of heroin, 513 kilograms of ice, 46 kilograms of opium and 20,580 litres of liquor from the suspects.
IGP Abdul Karim directed district police officers to bring all individuals involved in the drug supply chain to justice and ensure strict legal action against them.
He particularly ordered indiscriminate action against drug dealers operating around educational institutions and hostels, as well as those involved in the online sale and purchase of narcotics.
The IGP also appreciated the performance of the Gujranwala and Sialkot police teams and announced commendation and appreciation certificates for the respective district police officers.
