Punjab CNF arrests police constable, Doctor in Rs70 million drug bust

In a major success against narcotics trafficking, the District Narcotics Control Squad (NCS), Kasur, of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has foiled a large-scale drug smuggling attempt during an intelligence-based operation conducted yesterday near Raiwind Chowk in District Kasur. The operation led to the arrest of two key suspects, including a serving police constable, who were apprehended red-handed.

According to official details, the Punjab CNF had been closely monitoring the suspects through advanced surveillance and intelligence gathering. Acting swiftly on credible information, the force arrested serving police constable Muhammad Zaman Tufail and notorious drug trafficker and veterinary doctor Dr. Aqib Raza.

During the operation, the CNF recovered 314.7 kilograms of high-quality narcotics, expertly concealed inside two vehicles. The seized contraband is estimated to have a market value exceeding Rs. 70 million (Rs. 7 crore). The recovered narcotics include 93 kilograms of opium and 221.7 kilograms of hashish.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were transporting the narcotics from Multan for distribution across various sensitive localities in Lahore and Kasur, with a particular focus on supplying drugs to students in educational institutions. Investigators further revealed that the serving police official allegedly acted as a facilitator, exploiting his official position to ensure the unhindered transportation of narcotics and to help the smugglers evade law enforcement agencies.

Secretary Narcotics Control Muhammad Masood Mukhtar described the Raiwind Chowk operation as a landmark achievement of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force. He stated that the Punjab CNF is carrying out indiscriminate and vigorous operations against drug traffickers in line with the vision of the Chief Minister of Punjab to eliminate the menace of narcotics from society.

Director General Commander, Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, emphasized that drug trafficking is a grave crime that is destroying generations and undermining the future of the country’s youth. He said that any leniency towards drug traffickers would be tantamount to an injustice to the younger generation.

Reaffirming the force’s commitment, he stated that the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force will continue its operations with unwavering determination under a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics trafficking.