Drug-mania

The existence of a drug cartel and its unchecked operations in Pakistan's megacities are no secret. Thus, a crackdown on these deadly carriers is a welcome step. The Sindh Police coming into action, however, has raised eyebrows as it is widely believed that narco-trade operates on the premise of black sheep in the system. That was squarely exposed as a couple of senior police officers were suspended for their alleged linkages to the nefarious business, raising questions as to how effective the operation against these elements will be this time around.

The arrest of a woman, Anmol alias Pinky, accused of operating one of the city's most organised narcotics supply networks, and her reported attitude under custody has thickened the plot. It hints at a mafia that operates in cahoots with these death merchant. Pinky's presentation before the magistrate without being handcuffed has stirred a storm. It hints at her influence, also substantiated by her utterances that claims well-connectedness in her illicit trade.

Karachi, meanwhile, is rife with the toxic trade of cocaine, heroin, gutka, safina, mainpuri, 'ice', etc. With digital transactions in vogue now, their disbursement is no big deal. Surprisingly, the consumers not only include habitual addicts from destitute areas, but students, women and well-off individuals as well. As stated by Pinky, women carriers are at work and WhatsApp is the mode of procurement. That only goes on to define how well-entrenched the supply chain is.

These consignments mostly originate from across our western borders with Iran and Afghanistan and make their way into the country through Balochistan before being repacked for a deal in Karachi and beyond. It, thus, opens a Pandora's Box of negligence and complicity at every strata of our statecraft. It is recent history that drug money was instrumental in proliferation of Kalashnikov culture in the country, with Karachi bearing the brunt, in particular. Thus, the operation against drug-dealers, their abettors and financers must go ahead with transparency and without any leniency.