Alleged drug dealer killed in Swabi encounter

SWABI:

A motorcycle-riding alleged drug dealer was killed during an exchange of fire with police on Zarobi Road within the limits of Topi Police Station in Swabi on Saturday, sparking protests by local residents and the deceased's relatives that later ended following successful negotiations with authorities.

According to a report filed by Topi Police, the deceased was identified as Muhammad Fayaz, a proclaimed and armed drug dealer with a long criminal history. Police said Fayaz opened fire upon seeing the police party, prompting officers to retaliate in self-defence. He was killed during the exchange.

Police records show that Fayaz had been involved in drug trafficking for many years and had 14 registered cases at Topi Police Station over the past 16 years, including narcotics and other serious offences. The incident followed the earlier arrest of a suspect identified as Ibrahim, from whose possession crystal meth (ice) was recovered. During interrogation, Ibrahim allegedly disclosed information that led to the operation.

Following the incident, residents and family members placed the body on Karkhano Road and staged a protest, blocking traffic for nearly four hours. Protesters claimed the youth was killed unjustly and chanted slogans demanding justice.