Punjab CNF seizes drugs worth Rs2.2bn in nine months

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jun, 2026) Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) Director General and Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal said on Saturday that the Force had prevented the supply of 24.5 tonnes of narcotics across the province by conducting more than 2,250 operations since becoming operational in August 2025.

Presenting the Force’s performance report on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, he said the achievements reflected Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a drug-free, healthy and secure Punjab.

The CNF DG said the operations resulted in the seizure of narcotics worth an estimated Rs2.2 billion. The Force also confiscated 26,700 litres of illicit liquor, more than 200 weapons, over 5,000 rounds of ammunition and 16 quadcopters during its crackdown on drug traffickers.

Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal said more than 750 suspects had been arrested in 440 cases, while 13 cases had so far been decided by courts with a conviction rate of 75 per cent. Three convicted traffickers were awarded 14 years’ rigorous imprisonment each, two were sentenced to 10 years, three to nine years each and one to 16 years’ rigorous imprisonment.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He said the Punjab CNF was focusing not only on disrupting the supply of narcotics but also on reducing drug demand through awareness campaigns. During the past nine months, the Force organized more than 250 interactive seminars in educational institutions across Punjab to educate students about the harmful effects of drugs and encourage their participation in anti-drug awareness initiatives.

The DG said public participation in the anti-narcotics campaign had been institutionalised through the launch of Helpline 1012, enabling citizens to report drug trafficking and drug abuse while ensuring complete confidentiality of informants.

He added that the Punjab CNF had expanded from operations in the province’s nine divisions to all districts within nine months and would continue enforcement operations and awareness campaigns to ensure a drug-free and safe environment for students and youth across Punjab.