Burn: ANF destroys huge cache of drugs

Director general says Pakistan ranked top in drug seizures in the world.

RAWALPINDI:

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) has resolved to rid Pakistan — both a consumer and transshipment point for drugs — of the menace of illicit drugs.

The ANF destroyed seized contraband on Thursday to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Addressing the drug-burning ceremony, Narcotics Control Division Secretary Akbar Khan Hoti said that Pakistan is being used as a transit country for opium produced in Afghanistan. He said drug barons are using difficult routes and unconventional methods to move their wares.

ANF Director General Major General Khawar Hanif said the country is facing multifaceted problems which render the task of ANF extremely difficult and complex. “Afghanistan produces 70 per cent of the world’s opiates, a significant portion of which are shipped through Pakistan.” “Pakistan has a porous 2,500 km border with Afghanistan. Despite the challenges and complex environment, the ANF has made major breakthroughs in combating the menace of drugs at national, regional and international level,” claimed General Hanif.

According to the UNODC World Drug Report 2013, Pakistan tops the world in drug seizures.

Hanif thanked regional countries and the international community for collaborating with Pakistan to effectively prevent trafficking of drugs into and through Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2014.