Cop faces drug smuggling charges

NH&MP constitutes high-level committee to probe allegations

RAWALPINDI:

A National Highways and Motorways Police officer has been arrested following allegations of drug smuggling in Hasan Abdal.

According to sources, a case has been registered against the policeman to initiate departmental proceedings. They said the motorways police had initiated an investigation after suspicions arose regarding the officer's involvement in illicit activities, specifically the unauthorised removal and distribution of seized drugs among police personnel. A high-level committee has been established to verify these claims, and the inquiry remains ongoing.

The incident unfolded during a crackdown on drug smuggling conducted by the motorway police, the sources revealed. Officer Farhad Khan stands accused of pilfering portions of seized drugs from official caches. ASI Nasir Mehmood, recounting the events leading to the case, stated that he encountered Farhad Khan during a routine stop duty near the railway gate. Subsequently, a search yielded twelve kilograms of hashish and a firearm in the suspect's possession, prompting the registration of a case.

During interrogation, Farhad Khan disclosed his affiliation with the motorway police and admitted to stealing the hashish from the seized consignment, implicating other officers in similar illicit activities. These revelations prompted action from Hasan Abdal police, who took up the matter with higher authorities, including DPO Attock Sardar Ghiyas Gul. The situation was communicated to motorway police authorities for immediate inquiry and action.

National Highways and Motorway Police Additional IG Ashfaq Ahmed emphasised the department's commitment to maintaining integrity by swiftly addressing misconduct. A high-level committee has been tasked with investigating Constable Farhad's case comprehensively and generating a detailed report, he said. “Any officer or official found complicit in such activities will face severe consequences, ensuring accountability within the motorway police ranks”.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2024.