'8 drug peddlers killed in gunfights'

Crime Control Department intensifies crackdown across Punjab

LAHORE:

At least eight suspected drug peddlers were killed in a series of alleged police encounters reported across the Gujranwala region during the past 24 hours, as the Crime Control Department (CCD) said it had intensified its province-wide crackdown on narcotics networks.

The encounters reported in Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Sialkot followed CCD's announcement two days earlier of an aggressive campaign targeting drug trafficking and organised criminal groups. Police claimed those killed were linked to the sale and distribution of crystal methamphetamine (ice) and had been under surveillance after intelligence suggested expanding supply routes and local distribution points.

A CCD spokesperson said the operation had been scaled up across Punjab, adding that individuals involved in narcotics trafficking "would not be allowed to escape the law's grip". The official said the campaign would continue "without interruption" in the coming days.

In Sheikhupura, CCD teams carried out an operation against what officials described as a long-running and "deeply entrenched" drug network operating out of Ghazi Kakka, Pakhiala. Police officials described the locality as having "effectively become a no-go area", allegedly housing major suppliers.

According to investigators, the network operated from rented properties in housing societies along GT Road, Rana Town and nearby areas, using the sites as storage points before supplying narcotics to Lahore and adjoining districts.

The officials claimed that stolen motorcycles from Lahore were routinely exchanged for drugs, and that the group also used women couriers for transportation.

Senior CCD officials said multiple previous attempts to raid the "effectively a no go area" had failed due to information leaks. "Their daily earnings ran into millions of rupees," an officer said, alleging that beneficiaries within the system had repeatedly undermined past efforts.

Teams led by DSPs Raees Khan and Muhammad Ali Butt, along with DSPs Hussnain Haider, Farooq Asghar Awan and Mehdi Kazmi, advanced into the area from several entry points under the supervision of SP Aftab Phulrwan.

An intense exchange of fire continued for several hours. One suspected drug seller was killed, allegedly struck by bullets fired by his associates, while the remaining suspects fled, according to police accounts.

DSP Raees Khan was injured when a door frame collapsed on him, while DSP Muhammad Ali suffered a leg injury. Both officials were declared out of danger.

Following the clash, the CCD brought in earthmoving machinery and demolished nearly 10 houses that, according to the department, had been used for narcotics storage and related criminal activities.

While the CCD did not release consolidated casualty figures for the province, some reports suggested that more than dozens of suspected drug peddlers might have been killed in various operations since the crackdown began. Officials, however, said verified details would be shared once documentation from all districts would be compiled.