ANF strength to be raised by 10,000
The 2.214kg heroin was concealed masterfully inside decoration items. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Narcotics Control Minister Shahzain Bugti said on Sunday a proposal would be sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for increasing the current strength of the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) by 10,000.
Talking to media persons at ANF station in Multan the minister said that at present, 3,600 personnel were working in the department and added that the ANF performance would improve with the new recruitment.
“We would put a proposal before the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for recruitment of 10,000 staff further,” the minister told the media persons, expressing the hope that he would get the permission soon.
The minister said that there were only 50 ANF personnel in 11 districts of South Punjab. “Despite the shortage of manpower, the performance of ANF is very good,” he said, appreciating the department’s work.
Responding to a question about the spread of drugs in educational institutions, the minister said that the department would organise awareness campaigns with the collaboration of Punjab government. “We need to protect our young generation from the menace of drugs.”
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ANF conference
Separately, an ANF Commanders conference was directed to accelerate the ongoing counter-narcotics operations, with special focus on apprehending the elements involved in supplying drugs to the students of academic institutions.
An ANF spokesman said that the ANF Director General Maj-Gen Ghulam Shabeer Narejo chaired 30th force commanders conference, the other day, and reviewed progress of the counter narcotics operations.
He stressed the need for proactive and innovative steps to curb drug trafficking and apprehend supply sources. He also directed the commanders to take measures for apprehension of absconders and proclaimed offenders.
In addition, he issued special instructions that the pilgrims should be checked properly without humiliating them at all airports during the Hajj operation. The conference was attended by all Commanders from Regional Directorates and senior staff officers of ANF HQ.