The government of Pakistan has launched a comprehensive crackdown on drug dealers, mobilizing all federal and provincial anti-narcotic agencies. The first coordination meeting took place on August 8. An anti-narcotics campaign in Sindh’s educational institutions began on August 15. This campaign focuses not only on intelligence sharing but also on expanding rehabilitation centers. Furthermore, it includes implementing drug testing across all 11,000 registered schools in Sindh, as confirmed by Secretary of Education Zahid Ali Abbasi.
Recent Operations and Seizures
On August 5, Punjab authorities conducted 259 raids, arresting 125 suspects. They seized 54 kg of charas, 1 kg of heroin, and 1,349 liters of liquor. A nationwide Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) crackdown on August 8 led to the seizure of 188 kg of drugs and the arrest of six suspects. Notable recoveries included 800 grams of ice from a Jeddah-bound passenger at Multan Airport. Additionally, 52.8 kg of opium and 61.2 kg of hashish were found in a vehicle near Peshawar’s North Bypass. Another 48 kg of hashish was seized from a parcel in Peshawar.
On August 10, the ANF recovered 21 kg of drugs in two operations, including 1.1 kg of ice destined for New Zealand and 20 kg of opium from a vehicle in Nokundi Chagai. On August 15, Rawalpindi district police reported the arrest of 32 suspects from 13 gangs and 60 drug dealers and bootleggers. They recovered 60 kg of hashish, over 4 kg of heroin, and 300 litres of liquor.
Additionally, Sindh police arrested a notorious drug dealer evading capture for 15 years and conducted successful raids in Karachi, leading to the arrest of 150 drug suppliers targeting educational institutions and affluent neighbourhoods.
Drug Use Statistics and Trends
A 2013 survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that 6.7 million Pakistanis aged 15-64 used drugs. Sindh had the second-highest cannabis use rate in the country, at 4.3%. An estimated 570,000 people in Sindh used opioids, with around 100,000 injecting drugs.
Emerging Smuggling Techniques
Recent investigations revealed that drug dealers are using Google Maps and messaging apps to smuggle drugs. They have created a “Location Network” to facilitate discreet transactions. This method helps them evade law enforcement.
Ongoing Efforts
To address drug accumulation among the youth, the Regional Directorate Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Sindh, in collaboration with the Professional Youth Foundation of Pakistan, has organized a seminar titled “Drug Prevention in Youth.” The rise in drug abuse is alarming. However, the crackdown against drugs requires a robust and immediate response to dismantle the networks responsible for this menace.
