Raising awareness: Protest against drugs in Shabqadar

SHABQADAR: Residents of Shabqadar on Wednesday poured into the streets to raise awareness against the harmful effects of crystal methamphetamines commonly known as ice or crystal meth. The protest was staged by local social awareness organisation Pasban. Participants chanted slogans in favour of police action against drug dealers in Shabqadar. They also praised police action against some drug dealers in the area, adding that drug dealers have no mercy on humans hence the government must show zero tolerance towards them and deal with them with an iron hand. The protest comes as the Charsadda police launched an anti-drug campaign in the area two weeks ago. During the crackdown, a spokesperson for District Police Officer (DPO) Irfanullah said that they have thus far arrested 72 drugs dealers and recovered 37 kilogrammes of hashish, 6.23 kilogrammes of heroin and 77 grammes of ice. The official added that they have so far conducted the operation in Charsadda, Tangi and Shabqadar areas.  

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2018.