Over 11,000 drug peddlers arrested during anti-narcotics crackdown

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Mar, 2026) In line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a “Drug-Free Punjab,” authorities have intensified anti-narcotics operations across the province, resulting in large-scale arrests and recoveries.

On the directions of Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem, law enforcement agencies have stepped up action against major drug dealers and smugglers.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, more than 11,000 drug peddlers have been arrested so far this year, while 10,975 cases have been registered across the province. During these operations, police recovered over 6,000 kilograms of charas, more than 706 kilograms of heroin, 308 kilograms of ice (crystal meth), 151 kilograms of opium, and over 179,000 liters of liquor.

In Lahore, targeted operations have also yielded significant results. Police arrested 1,148 drug peddlers and registered 1,145 cases during the current year. Recoveries in the provincial capital included 376 kilograms of charas, 20 kilograms of heroin, 75 kilograms of ice, 4 kilograms of opium, and 8,260 liters of liquor.

IG Punjab Abdul Kareem directed field officers to ensure that all individuals involved in the drug supply chain are brought to justice and awarded strict punishments under the law. He also stressed the need to accelerate action against drug peddling in and around educational institutions and hostels, as well as to crack down on the online sale and purchase of narcotics.