SIU cops allegedly involved in selling seized drugs

Home minister orders inquiry, suspends DSP and sub-inspector

KARACHI:

An official inquiry has made a damning revelation: a huge portion of the 508kg of narcotics seized by police in a recent operation was allegedly resold to drug dealers by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) officers who were tasked with investigating the crime.

On December 1, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla, AIG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, along with DIG West, and DIG CIA, announced the seizure of a large narcotics consignment at a joint press conference.

They revealed that the SIU of Sindh Police had raided a major drug network in the metropolis, arresting 14 suspects, including an assistant excise and taxation officer, and recovering 468kg of hashish and 40kg of crystal meth (ice), collectively valued at Rs280 million.

However, just days after the presser, alarming reports surfaced suggesting that certain officers in the SIU, including CIA Sub-Inspector Ejaz Butt, were involved in reselling the seized narcotics back into the drug market. The revelation sent shockwaves through the Police Department, prompting action from senior police officials.

In response to the allegations, Home Minister Lanjar ordered a probe. As a result, DSP CIA Muhammad Wasif Qureshi and Sub-Inspector Ejaz Butt were suspended, and a formal inquiry was initiated. The suspension was confirmed with an official notification issued by the Police Department.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, AIG Odho confirmed the suspension of the officers involved and stated that the investigation had been handed over to the DIG West. "While the seizure of the narcotics was a big achievement for police, it has unfortunately been marred by the misconduct of a few individuals," Odho added.

AIG Odho assured the public that once the inquiry concludes strict action would be taken against the officers responsible, describing them as "black sheep" within the police force. "We will ensure that this case becomes an example, and no leniency will be shown to those who betray the trust of the public," he added.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the police force, especially within the SIU, which is entrusted with handling high-profile cases related to organised crime. As the inquiry progresses, police are under pressure to ensure transparency and accountability, with public trust in the force hanging in the balance.