ANF seizes drugs worth Rs5.2 million, arrests six suspects

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has recovered over Rs5.2 million worth of drugs, totalling 65 kilograms, in various operations.

According to an ANF spokesperson, six suspects have been arrested, including individuals involved in selling drugs in educational institutions, according to Express News.

In a raid near the Sangjani Toll Plaza, 13.2 kilograms of hashish was seized from a rickshaw, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

Additionally, 308 grams of hashish was recovered from a suspect near a major educational institution in Karachi. The arrested individuals confessed to selling drugs to students at these institutions.

In other operations, 9.6 kilograms of hashish was recovered from a suspect near the Pirwadhai bus stand in Rawalpindi.

In comparison, 42 kilograms of hashish was seized from a vehicle near Babu Petroleum in Faisalabad, resulting in the arrest of two suspects.

Cases have been registered against the arrested individuals under the Anti-Narcotics Act, and investigations have commenced.

The ANF previously conducted an operation near the Makran coastal line based on a tip-off, resulting in the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics.

According to a spokesperson, following hours of covert surveillance, the ANF tracked a speedboat heading towards the Gulf of Oman and executed an operation in the sea near Jiwani, a coastal border town between Pakistan and Iran.

During this operation, a total of 60 kilograms of highly addictive crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ice, was recovered. The narcotics were meticulously concealed within various packets and boxes.

Crackdown on drug trafficking in educational institutions

Last month ANF arrested two drug dealers near a major university in Quetta, confiscating 2 kilograms of crystal meth along with 40 ecstasy pills. These arrests were part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug peddlers who specifically target educational institutions.

According to ANF officials, the first suspect, a resident of Pishin, was apprehended near a hotel close to the university, while the second suspect, also from Pishin, was arrested in a residential area adjacent to the university.

The ANF also conducted a search in Islamabad near the university's main gate, uncovering 1.2 kilograms of hashish and 151 grams of drugs concealed within the seats of one suspect's vehicle. During interrogation, the accused admitted to specifically targeting students at the university for drug sales.

According to a survey conducted by the Pakistan Narcotics Control Board (PNCB), 44% of university and college students reported using drugs.

Additionally, another study found that one in five students in Pakistani schools have experimented with drugs at least once. The most frequently cited reasons for drug use among students include exam stress, peer pressure, and curiosity.