ANF official die in shootout with smugglers

Officials says they are hopeful of unearthing the full network of these drug peddlers

RAWALPINDI:

An official of the anti-narcotics force was killed as they traded fire with suspected smugglers in the Manga Village near Bhara Kahu on the outskirts of the federal capital.

Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officials on Friday said that they received a tip-off about some drug smugglers. Acting on the information, they conducted a raid on the suspected location late on Thursday.

As ANF officials approached the spot, the suspected smugglers allegedly opened fire. A heavy exchange of fire ensued in which ANF official Naik Akbar was martyred.

Additional contingents of ANF were called to the spot who cordoned off the entire area.

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Subsequently, officials managed to apprehend the seven suspected drug smugglers and recovered large quantities of drugs from the suspects.

The suspects, including some women, were shifted to an unidentified location for questioning while the drugs and ammunition were seized.

ANF sources said that the suspects lived in a rented property in Manga village and used it as a hub to supply various drugs including heroin, crystal methamphetamine (ice), hashish, opium and other narcotics in different areas of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Officials said that they are hopeful of unearthing the full network of these drug peddlers.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2020.