Crackdown: 29 suspects held in Mardan

MARDAN: At least 29 suspects were arrested during a search and strike operation in Katlang, Mardan on Sunday. According to a press release, four proclaimed offenders and 25 other suspects were taken into custody during the crackdown. A heavy contingent of police carried out the search operation within the jurisdiction of Katlang police station.“It was carried out under the supervision of Mardan SP Operations Shafihullah Khan Gandapur and Kharki SHO,” the press release stated. “Personnel of the bomb disposal squad, counter-terrorism department, RRF Squad and the Elite Force were part of the crackdown.” As per the document, three shotguns and pistols, a rifle and 150 rounds were confiscated. “At least 2,060 kilogrammes of hashish were also seized,” the statement added. The police also impounded 30 motorcycles during the search operation. Cases have been registered against the suspects. In a statement issued on Sunday, Mardan DPO Faisal Shehzad vowed to protect locals at all costs.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2016.