Authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle a massive consignment of government medicines worth over Rs10 million, destined for illegal sale in Lahore and Peshawar.
The suspect was caught red-handed at the General Bus Stand while his accomplice managed to escape.
A case has been registered, and the District Police Officer (DPO) and Deputy Commissioner have formed an inquiry committee, demanding a report within three days.
A private transport service was being used to smuggle expired and unsellable medicines belonging to national and multinational pharmaceutical companies, including some imported from Bangladesh. Upon receiving a tip-off, officials seized the medicines, which were immediately taken into custody by Chief Drug Inspector Muhammad Faisal and Chief Executive Officer Dr Muhammad Idris Khan Leghari.
Two suspects, including a health department employee, were arrested at the scene.
The main suspect, identified as Ikramullah, confessed during initial interrogation that health department employees, including storekeeper Pervez Akhtar, had been supplying him with government medicines.
He admitted to having smuggled medicines to Lahore and Peshawar multiple times before. Sources suggest this illegal trade is not limited to Dera Ghazi Khan but extends across various districts in Punjab.
Attempts to contact health department officials for clarification went unanswered. Insiders claim senior officials are trying to shield high-ranking officers while shifting the blame onto lower-level employees.
On the complaint of Chief Drug Inspector Muhammad Faisal, District Police Station Gadai registered case number 207/25 and launched an investigation. Taking immediate notice of the large-scale theft and smuggling of government medicines, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid formed an inquiry committee. Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid condemned the theft and smuggling of government medicines, calling it an "unforgivable crime."
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