Cops patronising drug sellers: SHO

Video statement sparks controversy over alleged complicity


Our Correspondent April 21, 2024

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LAHORE:

Hadiara Station House Officer (SHO) Khalid Khan has levelled accusations against officials of the Organised Crime Unit (OCU/CIA), alleging their complicity in facilitating drug peddling activities in border areas.

Through a recorded video statement that went viral on Saturday, Khan disclosed that he was tasked by senior police officers to spearhead a crackdown on drug peddlers operating along the border regions.

However, he claimed that upon initiating actions against these offenders, OCU officials obstructed his efforts and exerted pressure on him through various means.

Khan alleged that the OCU personnel conducted unauthorised raids and arrests, often without informing him, while also accepting bribes from apprehended individuals and subsequently releasing them.

When Khan resisted these actions, he asserted, the OCU officials retaliated by fabricating false reports against him.

After The SHO’s allegations, a committee comprising senior police officers has been formed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and submit a report to the Lahore DIG Operations.

However, OCU officials refuted Khan's claims, contending that he had released a notorious drug peddler in the area and recorded the video statement in an attempt to exonerate himself.

The issue of drug smuggling, particularly facilitated by drone cameras in Lahore and Kasur, has escalated in recent years. The development comes in the wake of previous incidents, including the booking of DSP Mazhar Iqbal, head of the anti-drug peddling unit of the OCU, by the ANF for involvement in drug peddling.

Additionally, Shahdara SHO Asghar Maitla was also booked on similar charges.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2024.

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