16 Gujranwala cops sacked over drug links

GUJRANWALA:

City Police Officer (CPO) Dr Sardar Ghiyas Gul Khan has dismissed 29 police officials from service over their alleged involvement in drug trafficking, facilitation of criminals, corruption and other criminal cases, as part of an ongoing internal accountability drive.

According to official sources, 16 officers and personnel were removed from service for their alleged involvement in drug peddling or maintaining links with drug dealers. Another 13 officials were dismissed on charges of corruption, misconduct and involvement in criminal cases.

The action was taken following departmental inquiries and examination of evidence, police said.

Speaking on the occasion, CPO Dr Ghiyas Gul Khan said that a crackdown against drug traffickers and criminal elements was under way across the district, alongside strict internal accountability within the police department.

"No officer or official, regardless of rank, involved in facilitating criminals or drug dealers deserves any leniency," he said, reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and abuse of authority.

He added that strict and indiscriminate action would continue against any police personnel found supporting or assisting criminal elements.

In a separate development, the CPO ordered disciplinary proceedings against former SHO Ludhianwala Warraich, Sub-Inspector Ali Rizwan, and Constables Gulfam Ali and Muhammad Shoaib for allegedly accepting a bribe from a habitual drug dealer and registering a lesser charge of liquor possession instead of a narcotics case. A charge sheet has been issued and the SSP Operations has been appointed as inquiry officer with directions to submit a report within seven days.