PESHAWAR
To free the province from the scourge of narcotics, the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has launched an intensified and well-coordinated anti-narcotics campaign across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi, upon clear directives made by Provincial Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Syed Fakhar Jehan, the campaign aims to dismantle drug trafficking networks,particularly those involved in (ICE Drugs)and protect the province’s youth from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
During the last six days, Excise and Narcotics Control teams have carried out a series of coordinated operations in Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Khyber, Abbottabad and Charsadda, achieving significant success. In these operations, a total of 168.8 kilograms of hashish, 5 kilograms of methamphetamine (ICE) and 1.2 kilograms of opium were recovered. Fifteen (15) accused persons were arrested, and twelve (12) FIRs were registered under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 2019.
These achievements reflect the professional competence, vigilance and firm resolve of the department to eliminate narcotics from the province.
Enhanced coordination with Police, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and other law enforcement agencies has strengthened the joint response against organized drug networks, while public awareness campaigns are educating communities and youth about the devastating consequences of drug addiction.
Provincial Minister Syed Fakhar Jehan has made it clear that no leniency will be shown to anyone involved in the narcotics trade.
He reaffirmed that the campaign will continue until Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is completely free from drugs.
For sustainable results, the department is expanding its intelligence network, enhancing staff capacity and promoting institutional coordination.
Citizens have been urged to play their part by reporting drug-related activities through confidential information channels, enabling joint efforts to root out this menace.
The department has also appealed to parents, teachers, religious scholars, community leaders and civil society organizations to take an active role in awareness and prevention campaigns, emphasizing that the fight against drugs is a collective responsibility.
