Crackdown against drug mafias must be strict and indiscriminate: Faryal Talpur

During a meeting of the Sindh Standing Committee on Interior, Chairperson Faryal Talpur directed authorities to execute strict and indiscriminate crackdown against drug mafias.

The meeting discussed in detail issues including drug trafficking, street crime, law and order, the Kacha operation, and the Sindh Forensic Science Laboratory.

Addressing the meeting, Faryal Talpur said that drugs are destroying the younger generation and every member of society must play a role to stop them. She directed the police to take effective action against drugs and carry out a strict, indiscriminate crackdown on drug mafias. She also stressed the need for strong and organized checking at border areas and said random inspections should specifically aim to stop drug smuggling. She added that the crackdown should be so strong that drug dealers feel fear of the police.

She praised the Sindh Police for their performance in the Kacha operation, calling the bravery of officers commendable. She said restoring peace in the Kacha areas and providing basic facilities to the public is a priority of the government, and all possible steps will be taken for this purpose.

The Sindh Interior Minister briefed the committee that work is underway to establish special courts for speedy trials of drug cases so that criminals can be given quick and exemplary punishments. He said the crackdown against drug mafias is ongoing across the province, and joint checkpoints involving ANF, Customs, Excise, and Police are active in border areas.

He further stated that the Kacha operation was launched on the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and has produced positive results. Operations against bandits and their facilitators are continuing and their network has largely been dismantled. Development projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) will also be launched to improve infrastructure in these areas.

The minister also announced civil awards for officers including DIG Larkana Nasir Aftab, SSP Samiullah Sumro, SSP Kashmore Murad Ghangro, SSP Shahzaib Chachar, and SSP Ghotki Anwar Khetran for their outstanding performance.

The IG Sindh briefed the committee that in major drug cases, 133 accused have been arrested and 145 cases registered, while 107 suspects are currently in jail. He said the drug mafia network is being dismantled through continuous operations and strict action is ongoing.

He also informed that due to successful operations in the Kacha areas, there are currently no kidnapping-for-ransom cases, roads are open, and the law and order situation has improved significantly, which will be maintained.

Committee members appreciated the performance of Sindh Police in the Kacha operation and also praised the services of Special Secretary Interior Saeed Ahmed Sheikh.