Karachi DSP cleared of drug sale charges

An internal inquiry into allegations that Karachi Police's Special Investigation Unit (SIU) sold part of a seized narcotics consignment has cleared DSP Wasif Qureshi of all charges, while confirming bribery allegations against two suspended officers. 

The inquiry led by West DIG Irfan Ali Baloch found that the entire seized narcotics assignment remains intact and stored at the laboratory, rejecting claims that any portion was sold. 

However, the inquiry found that Sub-Inspector Aijaz Butt and Police Officer Rehmat had accepted bribes from a convicted drug dealer and excise officer. 

While the charge of drug sale has been dropped against the sub-inspector, the bribery charge remains against him and the police officer. 

DIG Baloch compiled the report and submitted it to AIG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, who will oversee the case. 

Read: SIU cops allegedly involved in selling seized drugs

It may be recalled that in December, the SIU suspended officers accused of selling part of a 508kg narcotics consignment, valued at Rs280 million. The consignment included 468kg of hashish and 40kg of crystal meth. It was seized during an earlier operation, the largest till date according to officials, leading to 14 arrests. The arrests included an Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer, Javed Rasheed, after 50kg of hashish and 10kg of crystal meth were recovered from his house. The SIU launched an inquiry led by West DIG Baloch. 

Statements were collected from police officers and the 14 suspects arrested in the initial crackdown. 

DSP Wasif Qureshi and Sub-Inspector Aijaz Butt also faced allegations of taking bribes in exchange for leniency in the case. They were suspended by AIG Karachi Odho. An inquiry committee was formed in response.