Punjab CNF seizes 24.5 tonnes of drugs in nine months

Speaking on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Lahore on Saturday, Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal said

The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has prevented the supply of 24.5 tonnes of narcotics across the province in its first nine months of operations, according to Director General and Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal.

Speaking on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Lahore on Saturday, Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal said the specialised force was established under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to create a drug-free, healthy, and secure Punjab. Since becoming operational in August 2025, the CNF has carried out more than 2,250 operations across the province.

During the operations, authorities seized narcotics worth an estimated Rs2.2 billion in the illegal market. The force also confiscated 26,700 litres of illicit liquor, more than 200 weapons, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition, and 16 quadcopters used in criminal activities.

Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal said over 750 suspects had been arrested in 440 cases registered against drug traffickers. Trials have been completed in 13 cases, resulting in a conviction rate of 75 percent. Among those convicted, three traffickers received 14 years of rigorous imprisonment each, two were sentenced to 10 years, three received nine-year prison terms, and one was sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment.

He said the Punjab CNF is also focusing on reducing drug demand through awareness campaigns. Over the past nine months, the force has organised more than 250 interactive seminars in educational institutions across Punjab to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse, provide counselling, and encourage participation in anti-drug initiatives.

To strengthen public involvement, the force has introduced Helpline 1012, allowing citizens to report drug trafficking and drug abuse while ensuring the confidentiality of informants.

The Director General added that the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force has rapidly expanded from operating in nine divisions to becoming fully functional in all districts of the province within nine months. He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to continuing enforcement operations and public awareness campaigns to provide a safer, drug-free environment for students and young people across Punjab.