Anti-Narcotics Force Launches Campaigns in Colleges and Universities to Curb Narcotics Supply

Strategic Insights -

A meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Interior was held to discuss the efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in curbing the supply of narcotics on campuses, following directives from the prime minister. The ANF briefed the committee on their campaigns, seizures, and arrests, highlighting the challenges posed by social media and the need for international cooperation. Committee members expressed concern over the growing drug trade in Islamabad, calling for stricter measures to control drug use.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ANF launched campaigns in 263 educational establishments, seizing 1,470 kilograms of drugs and arresting 400 suspects.
  • The ANF conducted awareness and enforcement drives in 4,008 colleges and is running seven rehabilitation centers nationwide.
  • The ANF busted 19 gangs and froze assets worth Rs7 billion linked to drug trafficking this year alone.
  • The Sindh government has established a Rapid Response Unit (RRU) to combat narcotics, but its operations are hampered by a shortage of manpower.
  • The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) coordinates resources and oversees drug interdiction operations with the goal of making Pakistan a drug-free state.
  • Prime Minister's Office directed the ANF to tackle narcotics on campuses.
  • Awareness and enforcement drives in Islamabad are ongoing, with the ANF working with the ICT administration to make all campuses drug-free.

Statistics:

  • 1,453 kilograms of narcotics were seized intended for educational institutions.
  • Over 300 suspects were arrested in connection with narcotics offenses.
  • Rs7 billion worth of assets were frozen linked to drug trafficking this year alone.
  • 19 gangs were busted by the ANF in connection with narcotics offenses.
  • 4,008 colleges were targeted in awareness and enforcement drives.
  • 7 rehabilitation centers are being run nationwide by the ANF.